Biostatistics: The Bare Essentials [with SPSS]

by Geoffrey R. Norman, David L. Streiner

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 seen in medical literature, is described. Also new is a chapter on testing for equivalence and non-inferiority, and another on getting started with the computer statistics program, SPSS. Free of calculations and jargon, Bare Essentials speak 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. The second version of the book will include the SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) software. The purchaser will be prompted to activate the program and will have six months access to the program as part of their purchase price. This book translates biostatistics in the health sciences literature with clarity and irreverence. Students and practitioners alike applaud as the practical guide that exposes them to every statistical test they may encounter, with careful conceptual explanations and a minimum of algebra.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science

393 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1996

About the author

Dr. Norman's academic interests focus on the psychology of expertise particularly as applied to expert clinicians. His research is focused on the psychology of clinical reasoning, particularly in the relative contribution of rapid processing based on prior experience (so-called pattern recognition) and analytical rules, and educational strategies to improve reasoning. Additionally, he has strengths and interests in measurement and statistics. Other research interests include methods of student assessment, and psychometric methods.

Reviews

[Michael Battistone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full disclosure--I did NOT read every word (or every page, or even every chapter) in this book, but it was required for a course I have just completed, and I did read all the assigned sections, passed the class, so...I'm counting it in my "read" cohort! This was the first stats course I have ever taken; I thought the book was excellent at the beginning, but got very advanced (for me) very quickly. Again, the first chapters were excellent--particularly the first one, which addressed some practical tips regarding the use of graphs when presenting results. This chapter alone is worth the price of the book (if you are going to be using this in work).

[Purple · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not your typical text. It is written in an engaging way with amusing side notes. The main text serves as a good reference, especially for college students taking an introductory course in Biostatistics. In my experience as a student, I did not rely heavily on this book and eventually got familiar with the much denser class assigned text.

[shainur · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this years ago as a student and started rereading as a practicing professional. The second read has been so informative. I find myself paying attention to nuances that I missed before. Excellent book, and the authors’ humourous examples make the key messages stick!

[Samhita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever, nuanced with amusing side notes and stories - this textbook does a fantastic job of introducing and exploring the different aspects of biostatistics in an easily digestible and comprehensible manner.

[Olivia Caciuleanu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stick a fork in me, cause I'm done.

[Sergio Uribe · Rating 4 out of 5]

El mejor libro de introducción a la bioestadística. No solo explica con claridad los conceptos más complicados y las bases del razonamiento estadístico, sino que está plagado de buen humor.

Si buscas algo más breve, el PDQ Statistics With CDROM es la versión resumida.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly fantastic book for anyone working in public health statistics. My Epidemiology II teacher recommending this book to me and I loved it so much I took it all the way to Thailand with me in my overstuffed suitcase. Who knew anyone could make biostats this amusing.

[loafingcactus · Rating 2 out of 5]

Even with all the cutesy stuff, I had a difficult time following it.