NMHS43660 Introduction to Statistics

Academic Year 2023/2024

Statistical analysis is an essential tool for health care researchers. Health care professionals need to know and understand the basic principles and the language of statistics, in order to interpret published research. Statistical analysis enables researchers to summarise or describe sample data and to make inferences about the population from which the sample is drawn. Descriptive statistics describe samples in terms of variables or characteristics and statistical analysis tests hypotheses, explores differences between groups and examines relationships and associations between these variables.

This foundation module introduces students to the basic principles and assumptions of statistical analysis including levels of and forms of measurement, probability theory and the normal density curve as well as understanding central tendency and variation. Furthermore, it provides students with an introduction to parametric and non-parametric tests which compare group means and measure associations between variables. Through this module, students will obtain the foundational knowledge of statistical analysis which will assist them in their interpretation of statistical reports. They will also be able to recognise and appreciate the principle mechanisms behind some of the most common statistical tests within healthcare research. The students will obtain a sound foundational knowledge of the theoretical basis for statistical analysis which will support them to develop skills in the appropriate and knowledgeable application of statistical analysis to research data.