Introduction to Statistics for the Life and Biomedical Sciences has been written to be used in conjunction with a set of self-paced learning labs. These labs guide students through learning how to apply statistical ideas and concepts discussed in the text with the R computing language.The text discusses the important ideas used to support an interpretation (such as the notion of a confidence interval), rather than the process of generating such material from data (such as computing a confidence interval for a particular subset of individuals in a study). This allows students whose main focus is understanding statistical concepts to not be distracted by the details of a particular software package. In our experience, however, we have found that many students enter a research setting after only a single course in statistics. These students benefit from a practical introduction to data analysis that incorporates the use of a statistical computing language.In a classroom setting, we have found it beneficial for students to start working through the labs after having been exposed to the corresponding material in the text, either from self-reading or through an instructor presenting the main ideas. The labs are organized by chapter, and each lab corresponds to a particular section or set of sections in the text.There are traditional exercises at the end of each chapter that do not require the use of computing. In the current posting, Chapters 1 - 5 have end-of-chapter exercises. More complicated methods, such as multiple regression, do not lend themselves to hand calculation and computing is necessary for gaining practical experience with these methods. The lab exercises for these later chapters become an increasingly important part of mastering the material.An essential component of the learning labs are the "Lab Notes" accompanying each chapter. The lab notes are a detailed reference guide to the R functions that appear in the labs, written to be accessible to a first-time user of a computing language. They provide more explanation than available in the R help documentation, with examples specific to what is demonstrated in the labs.

An understanding of statistics and experimental design is essential for life science studies, but many students lack a mathematical background and some even dread taking an introductory statistics course. Using a refreshingly clear and encouraging reader-friendly approach, this book helps students understand how to choose, carry out, interpret and report the results of complex statistical analyses, critically evaluate the design of experiments and proceed to more advanced material. Taking a straightforward conceptual approach, it is specifically designed to foster understanding, demystify difficult concepts and encourage the unsure. Even complex topics are explained clearly, using a pictorial approach with a minimum of formulae and terminology. Examples of tests included throughout are kept simple by using small data sets. In addition, end-of-chapter exercises, new to this edition, allow self-testing. Handy diagnostic tables help students choose the right test for their work and remain a useful refresher tool for postgraduates.

The OpenIntro project was founded in 2009 to improve the quality and availability of education by producing exceptional books and teaching tools that are free to use and easy to modify. We feature real data whenever possible, and files for the entire textbook are freely available at openintro.org. Visit our website, openintro.org. We provide free videos, statistical software labs, lecture slides, course management tools, and many other helpful resources.

Provides well-organized coverage of statistical analysis and applications in biology, kinesiology, and physical anthropology with comprehensive insights into the techniques and interpretations of R, SPSS®, Excel®, and Numbers® output An Introduction to Statistical Analysis in Research: With Applications in the Biological and Life Sciences develops a conceptual foundation in statistical analysis while providing readers with opportunities to practice these skills via research-based data sets in biology, kinesiology, and physical anthropology. Readers are provided with a detailed introduction and orientation to statistical analysis as well as practical examples to ensure a thorough understanding of the concepts and methodology. In addition, the book addresses not just the statistical concepts researchers should be familiar with, but also demonstrates their relevance to real-world research questions and how to perform them using easily available software packages including R, SPSS®, Excel®, and Numbers®. Specific emphasis is on the practical application of statistics in the biological and life sciences, while enhancing reader skills in identifying the research questions and testable hypotheses, determining the appropriate experimental methodology and statistical analyses, processing data, and reporting the research outcomes. In addition, this book: • Aims to develop readers’ skills including how to report research outcomes, determine the appropriate experimental methodology and statistical analysis, and identify the needed research questions and testable hypotheses • Includes pedagogical elements throughout that enhance the overall learning experience including case studies and tutorials, all in an effort to gain full comprehension of designing an experiment, considering biases and uncontrolled variables, analyzing data, and applying the appropriate statistical application with valid justification • Fills the gap between theoretically driven, mathematically heavy texts and introductory, step-by-step type books while preparing readers with the programming skills needed to carry out basic statistical tests, build support figures, and interpret the results • Provides a companion website that features related R, SPSS, Excel, and Numbers data sets, sample PowerPoint® lecture slides, end of the chapter review questions, software video tutorials that highlight basic statistical concepts, and a student workbook and instructor manual An Introduction to Statistical Analysis in Research: With Applications in the Biological and Life Sciences is an ideal textbook for upper-undergraduate and graduate-level courses in research methods, biostatistics, statistics, biology, kinesiology, sports science and medicine, health and physical education, medicine, and nutrition. The book is also appropriate as a reference for researchers and professionals in the fields of anthropology, sports research, sports science, and physical education. KATHLEEN F. WEAVER, PhD, is Associate Dean of Learning, Innovation, and Teaching and Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of La Verne. The author of numerous journal articles, she received her PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Colorado. VANESSA C. MORALES, BS, is Assistant Director of the Academic Success Center at the University of La Verne. SARAH L. DUNN, PhD, is Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of La Verne and is Director of Research and Sponsored Programs. She has authored numerous journal articles and received her PhD in Health and Exercise Science from the University of New South Wales. KANYA GODDE, PhD, is Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology and is Director/Chair of Institutional Review Board at the University of La Verne. The author of numerous journal articles and a member of the American Statistical Association, she received her PhD in Anthropology from the University of Tennessee. PABLO F. WEAVER, PhD, is Instructor in the Department of Biology at the University of La Verne. The author of numerous journal articles, he received his PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Colorado.

This book is written in a very easy-to-follow format, and explains the key concepts of biomedical statistics in a lucid yet straightforward manner. It explains how mathematical and statistical tools can be used to find answers to common research questions. In addition, the main text is supplemented by a wealth of solved exercises and illustrative examples to aid in comprehension. Given its content, the book offers an invaluable quick reference guide for graduating students and can be very helpful in their examination process. At the same time, it represents a handy guide for medical and paramedical teachers, post-graduate medical students, research personnel, biomedical scientists and epidemiologists.