Analyze the limitations of the data set provided below and how those limitations might affect my findings. Provide evidence of random sampling, random sampling is suggested. The limitations should be with respect to MY study and MY question of interest.

My question of interest: "To what extent does gender influence length of hospital stay for MI patients?"

Description of the Data:

SIZE: 100 Observations, variables: gender, length of hospital stay

DESCRIPTIVE ABSTRACT:

The main goal of this study is to describe factors associated with trends over time in the incidence and survival rates following hospital admission for acute myocardial infarction (MI). Data have been collected during thirteen 1-year periods beginning in 1975 and extending through 2001 on all MI patients admitted to hospitals in the Worcester, Massachusetts, Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Variable name: length of stay. My findings: Data are skewed to the right. There is an outlier of 56. Mean value: 6.84,

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE ANALYSIS:

Limit your response to the data relevant to your question of interest.

oFor example, only using two variables in the data set is NOT a limitation of the data in your question of interest. It may be a limitation of the study or question of interest, but it is NOT a limitation of the data you have been provided for your question of interest. Don't discuss this here.

oComorbidities or missing patient information are NOT appropriate to discuss here. Not including these elements might be a limitation of the study or question of interest, but it is NOT a limitation of the data you have been provided for your question of interest.

oOther treatment information is NOT appropriate to discuss here. Not including these elements might be a limitation of the study or question of interest, but it is NOT a limitation of the data you have been provided for your question of interest.

Possible limitations:

oConsider any outliers and how they could affect the analysis (if there are any).

oConsider the scope of data collection (time frame, location) and the question of interest. Is the sample adequate to answer the general question of interest?

ONE clear limitation is sufficient.