Biostatistics: The Bare Essentials

Author Biography Geoffrey Norman PhD Professor, Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatics McMaster University Hamilton, Ontario David Streiner PhD Assistant Vice President, Research Director Kunin-Lunenfeld Applied Research Unit Baycreat Centre of Geriatric Care Professor, Department of Psychiatry University of Toronto Toronto, Ontario · Analysis of Longitudinal Data: Hierarchical Linear Models · Equivalence and Non-Inferiority Testing · Getting Started with SPSS · Survival Analysis · C.R.A.P Detectors for each section Students and Practitioners in the Health Profession. This new edition of the book will be produced in two versions. The textbook will include a CD-Rom with two videotaped lectures by the authors. This book translates biostatistics in the health sciences literature with clarity and irreverence. Students and practitioners alike, applaud Biostatistics as the practical guide that exposes them to every statistical test they may encounter, with careful conceptual explanations and a minimum of algebra. What’s New? The new Bare Essentials reflects recent advances in statistics, as well as time-honored methods. For example, “hierarchical linear modeling” which first appeared in psychology journals and only now is described in medical literature. Also new, is a chapter on testing for equivalence and non-inferiority. As well as a chapter with information to get started with the computer statistics program, SPSS. Free of calculations and jargon, Bare Essentials speaks so plainly that you won’t need a technical dictionary. No math, all concepts. The objective is to enable you to determine if the research results are applicable to your own patients. Throughout the guide, you’ll find highlights of areas in which researchers misuse or misinterpret statistical tests. We have labeled these “C.R.A.P. Detectors” (Convoluted Reasoning and Anti-intellectual Pomposity), which help you to identify faulty methodology and misuse of statistics.