Statistics for Furtherance of Agricultural Research in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Use of statistics appropriately is essential in conducting a valid research. However, it is sometimes observed that use of statistics is not taking place as expected, and thereby potential outcome of the research is not acquired. This study was undertaken to illustrate gaps in using statistics in agricultural research in Sri Lanka based on studies published during the period 1998-2017 in key journals published in Sri Lanka. The study revealed that substantial amount of gaps existed in the published work, and most of the time researchers had a tendency to use established traditional statistical methods rather than modern techniques that are more appropriate for the research. The study made an attempt to suggest appropriate modern techniques for various possible situations in terms of experimental design and statistical analysis method.