Table 2.

Overview of the key features of a simulation study (first column) with the NHANES example described in the section "An example of a statistical simulation" (second column)

Key features of simulation studies	NHANES example
Aims	To quantify the impact of measurement error.
Data generating mechanism	Take real data, add normally distributed random error to the exposure of interest (HbA1c) and/or the confounder (BMI).
Method of analysis	Multivariable linear regression, first on data with no measurement error, then on data with measurement error added.
Performance measure	Bias in regression coefficient for exposure of interest (HbA1c).
Number of repetitions	1000

This table is inspired by the ‘ADEMP’ system (aims, data generating mechanisms, estimands, methods and performance measures) introduced previously in statistical literature.³

BMI, body mass index; HbA1c, glycated haemoglobin; NHANES, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.