Topics in Biostatistics Chapter 9

Abstract

The primary purpose of this book is to provide scientists with a broad survey of biostatistical methods. This book is intended for use by scientists in all dis- ciplines. To this end, we present a series of biostatistical techniques illustrated with examples. Many of the examples are from biology and medicine. Elemen- tary methods include descriptive statistics, study design, statistical inference, categorical variables, evaluation of diagnostic tests, comparison of means (t- test, nonparametric tests, and analysis of variance), linear regression, and logis- tic regression. All of these methods can be performed with paper, pencil, and a calculator in simple cases. The secondary purpose of this book is to introduce more complicated statistical methods requiring either collaboration with a bio- statistician or use of a statistical package. Our goal is not to teach the reader how to use these methods but rather to teach the “language of statistics” so that collaborating with a biostatistician or deciphering a software manual is more productive.