Essential Statistics for Bioscientists

Dive into the most common statistical tests and software packages used for scientific data analysis and interpretation

In Essential Statistics For Bioscientists, experienced university and bioscientist Dr Mohammed Meah delivers easy access to statistical analysis and data presentation. It is a great resource for students in the field of life and health sciences to conceptualize, analyze, and present data. This book uses three popular and commonly used statistics softwares—Microsoft Excel, Graphpad Prism, and SPSS—and offers clear, step-by-step instructions for essential data analysis and graphical/tabular display of data.

Beginning with fundamental statistics terminology and concepts, including data types, descriptive statistics (central and spread of data), exploratory statistics (graphical display) and inferential statistics (hypothesis testing and correlation), the content gradually builds in complexity, explaining which statistical test is best suited and how to perform it.

• A thorough introduction to basic statistical terms and building up to an advanced level of statistical application- ideal for those new to study of statistics
• Extensive application of three popular software packages- Microsoft Excel, Graphpad Prism and SPSS
• Numerous hands-on examples of performing data analysis using Microsoft Excel, Graphpad Prism, and SPSS
• Considers the limitations and errors of statistical analysis
• Essential reading for those designing and planning a research project in Biosciences

Perfect for undergraduate students in the life and health sciences, Essential Statistics For Bioscientists will also earn a place in the libraries of anyone studying medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, pharmacy, and dentistry requiring a refresher or primer on statistical fundamentals.

Acknowledgements vi

List of Worked Examples of Statistical Tests vii

Introduction 1

1 Basic Statistics 4

2 Displaying and Exploring Sample Data Graphically 35

3 Choosing The Appropriate Statistical Test For Analysis 65

4 Inferential Statistics: Parametric Tests 79

5 Inferential Statistics: Non-parametric Tests 91

6 Using Excel: Descriptive and Inferential Statistics 101

7 Using Prism: Descriptive and Inferential Statistics 138

8 Using SPSS: Descriptive and Inferential Statistics 170

9 Misuse and Misinterpretations of Statistics 202

Appendix 1 Historical Landmarks in Statistics 208

Appendix 2 Common Statistical Terms 210

Appendix 3 Common Symbols Used in Statistics 214

Appendix 4 Standard Formulas 216

Appendix 5 How to Calculate Sample Size 218

Appendix 6 Familiarisation with GraphPad Prism 220

Appendix 7 Answers to Sample Problems 224

Appendix 8 Standard Critical Tables 229

References 243

Index 245

Mohammed Meah, PhD, is Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader in Medical ­Physiology and Human Biology at the University of East London in ­London, UK.

Dive into the most common statistical tests and software packages used for scientific data analysis and interpretation

In Essential Statistics For Bioscientists, experienced university lecturer and bioscientist Dr Mohammed Meah delivers easy access to statistical analysis and data presentation. This book is a great resource for students in the field of life and health sciences to conceptualize, analyze, and present data. The book uses three popular and commonly used statistics softwares—Microsoft Excel, Graphpad Prism, and SPSS—and offers clear, step-by-step instructions for essential data analysis and graphical/tabular display of data.

Beginning with fundamental statistics terminology and concepts, including data types, descriptive statistics (central and spread of data), exploratory statistics (graphical display) and inferential statistics (hypothesis testing and correlation), the content gradually builds in complexity, explaining which statistical test is best suited to a given operation and how to perform it.

• A thorough introduction to basic statistical terms, building up to an advanced level of statistical application— ideal for those new to the study of statistics
• Extensive application of three popular software packages— Microsoft Excel, Graphpad Prism and SPSS
• Numerous hands-on examples of performing data analysis using Microsoft Excel, Graphpad Prism, and SPSS
• Considers the limitations and errors of statistical analysis
• Essential reading for those designing and planning a research project in Biosciences

Perfect for undergraduate students in the life and health sciences, Essential Statistics For Bioscientists will also earn a place in the libraries of anyone studying medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, pharmacy, and dentistry requiring a refresher or primer on statistical fundamentals.