Basic Biostatistics for Geneticists and Epidemiologists : A Practical Approach

by Robert C. Elston (Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, USA ); William Johnson (Medical Center, University of Mississippi, USA )

• ISBN13: 9780470024911
• ISBN10: 0470024917
• Format: eBook
• Copyright: 2008-11-01
• Publisher: Wiley

Summary

Anyone who attempts to read genetics or epidemiology research literature needs to understand the essentials of biostatistics. This book, a revised new edition of the successful Essentials of Biostatistics has been written to provide such an understanding to those who have little or no statistical background and who need to keep abreast of new findings in this fast moving field. Unlike many other elementary books on biostatistics, the main focus of this book is to explain basic concepts needed to understand statistical procedures.This Book: Surveys basic statistical methods used in the genetics and epidemiology literature, including maximum likelihood and least squares. Introduces methods, such as permutation testing and bootstrapping, that are becoming more widely used in both genetic and epidemiological research. Is illustrated throughout with simple examples to clarify the statistical methodology. Explains Bayes' theorem pictorially. Features exercises, with answers to alternate questions, enabling use as a course text.Written at an elementary mathematical level so that readers with high school mathematics will find the content accessible. Graduate students studying genetic epidemiology, researchers and practitioners from genetics, epidemiology, biology, medical research and statistics will find this an invaluable introduction to statistics.

Table of Contents

Preface

Introduction: The role and Relevance of Statistics, Genetics and Epidemiology In Medicine

Populations, Samples, and Study Design

Descriptive Statistics

The Laws of Probability

Random Variables and Distributions

Estimates and Confidence Limits

Significance Tests and Tests of Hypotheses

Likelihood Ratios, Bayesian Methods and Multiple Hypotheses

The Many Uses of Chi-Square

Correlation and Regression

Analysis of Variance and Linear Models

Some Specialized Techniques

Guides to a Critical Evaluation of Published Reports

Epilogue

Review Problems

Answers to Odd-Numbered Problems

Appendix

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.