Biostatistics
- PMID: 19644245
- DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181addcd9
Biostatistics
Abstract
Learning objectives: After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Recognize the various terms used in biostatistics. 2. Describe the choices that are required in designing a particular research study. 3. Understand the different types of data that may be obtained in any given study. 4. Identify which statistical tools are appropriate for evaluating the different types of data.
Summary: Journals of medicine and surgery, such as Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, are filled with statistics that readers may never have learned about or once understood but soon forgot. Unfortunately, critical review of any abstract requires a thorough understanding of the tools used to evaluate study results. It also requires an evaluation of whether the tools chosen were adequate or even proper, given the study design and the questions asked. This article was conceived to highlight the major topics in biostatistics. It includes a review of common definitions, an outline of the major tests used (correctly or not) in plastic surgery abstracts, and instruction as to their proper use in scientific studies.
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References
RECOMMENDED READING
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- Glover T, Mitchell K. An Introduction to Biostatistics. Long Grove, Ill.: Waveland Press, Inc.; 2006.
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- Daniel WW. Biostatistics: A Foundation for Analysis in the Health Sciences. 8th ed. Hoboken, N.J.: John Wiley and Sons; 2005.
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- MacMahon B, Trichopoulos D. Epidemiology: Principles and Methods. 2nd ed. Boston: Little, Brown and Company; 1996.
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- Norman GR, Streiner DL. Biostatistics: The Bare Essentials. 2nd ed. Hamilton, Ont.: B.C. Decker, Inc.; 2000.
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- Rosner B. Fundamentals of Biostatistics. 5th ed. Pacific Grove, Calif.: Duxbury; 2000.
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