The purpose of
the book is to present statistical theory and biostatistical methods and
applications through a different approach than the one usually adopted by conventional
statistical texts.
First, the book
integrates topics that, typically, are dealt with in separate books, that is,
it covers sampling methods, study design, and statistical methods in a single book
and is organized in short chapters structured according to the areas of application
of the statistical methods and relating the methods with the corresponding study
designs.
Second, and
probably the most appealing aspect of the book, biostatistics are presented in
a strictly non-mathematical approach, emphasizing the rationale of statistical
theory and methods rather than mathematical proofs and formalisms. Illustrations,
working examples, computer simulations, and geometrical approaches, rather than
mathematical expressions and formulas, are used throughout the book to explain
every statistical method.
Third, the
topics selected for this book cover most needs of clinical researchers, regarding
both study designs and statistical methods, considering the contents of the current
scientific literature. The reader will find an explanation of every statistical
method, from simple interval estimation and standard statistical tests to
advanced methods such as multiple regression, survival analysis, factor
analysis, and metaanalysis.
Fourth, the
presentation of statistical theory is gradually built upon very simple basic
concepts, such as the properties of means and variances, the properties of the
normal distribution, and the central limit theorem. This will allow the reader to
understand the conditions required for the application and the limitations of each
method.
Therefore, this
book will satisfy most needs of clinical researchers and medical professionals,
offering in a single volume a clear and simple explanation of over 90% of the
statistical methods they are likely to find in scientific publications or are likely
to need in the course of their own research. In addition, the book is written
according to two skill levels, one for readers who are interested only in
understanding the methods and results presented in scientific papers, and one
for readers who also wish to know how calculations are done. Even for these, no
mathematical skills are required beyond the basic arithmetic operations and an
understanding of what square roots and logarithms are.
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