Decision trees: helping the postanesthesia nurse to plan data analysis.

An important step in the research process is statistical analysis of the data. Data analysis should be planned as variables are identified, as level of measurement is determined, and as research questions or hypotheses are generated. The use of decision trees can assist the PACU nurse in determining which statistical tests are appropriate for the level of variable measurement in the study. The use of decision trees also can assist the PACU nurse when consulting with experts regarding appropriate statistical analysis.