[The meaning of statistical data in medical science and their examination--true and false analysis of statistical data].

The subjects which are often encountered in the statistical design and analysis of data in medical science studies were discussed. The five topics examined were: Medical science and statistical methods So-called mathematical statistics and medical science Fundamentals of cross-tabulation analysis of statistical data and inference Exploratory study by multidimensional data analyses Optimal process control of individual, medical science and informatics of statistical data In I, the author's statistico-mathematical idea is characterized as the analysis of phenomena by statistical data. This is closely related to the logic, methodology and philosophy of science. This statistical concept and method are based on operational and pragmatic ideas. Self-examination of mathematical statistics is particularly focused in II and III. In II, the effectiveness of experimental design and statistical testing is thoroughly examined with regard to the study of medical science, and the limitation of its application is discussed. In III the apparent paradox of analysis of cross-tabulation of statistical data and statistical inference is shown. This is due to the operation of a simple two- or three-fold cross-tabulation analysis of (more than two or three) multidimensional data, apart from the sophisticated statistical test theory of association. In IV, the necessity of informatics of multidimensional data analysis in medical science is stressed. In V, the following point is discussed. The essential point of clinical trials is that they are not based on any simple statistical test in a traditional experimental design but on the optimal process control of individuals in the information space of the body and mind, which is based on a knowledge of medical science and the informatics of multidimensional statistical data analysis.