Biostats Flashcards
Analysis of Variance
A method of hypothesis testing, normally used with more than two study groups, in which the likelihood of the outcome is estimated by a ratio of the variability between groups divided by the variability within groups.
Variance between Groups
The component of the total variability in ones data that measures the variability of group means around the grand mean. The between groups variance measures treatment effects if present. If there is no treatment effect the between variance component reflects only error variance.
Variance within Groups
The component of the total variability in ones data that measures error (i.e., natural) variability. This is measured by the variability of group measurements around the group mean.
Statistical Error
A conclusion error in hypothesis testing. This happens when one incorrectly rejects Ho or incorrectly does not reject Ho.
Sum of Squarea
A component of variance that is formed by summing the squared differences of numbers around their mean.
Mean Square
Another term for variance. A mean square is formed by dividing a sum of squares term by its degrees of freedom.
Factors
The systematic sources of variability in an ANOVA.
Contrast Coefficients
Positive and negative integers that are used in a sum of squares equation to test a particular pattern of means in a one-way ANOVA.
Levels of a Factor
The divisions of a factor. Each factor must have at least two levels.
MSbg, MSwg
Another term for variance. A mean square is formed by dividing a sum of squares term by its degrees of freedom.
Type I Error
A conclusion error in hypothesis testing when one incorrectly rejects Ho. This is analogous to a false positive.
Planned Comparisons
A method of hypothesis testing within ANOVA in which a specific pattern of group means is tested. A planned comparison is also called an a priori comparison because a global F does not need to be computed.
Post Hoc Comparisons
The hypothesis testing that occurs among group means following a statistically significant global ANOVA. Post-hoc comparisons are also called a posteriori tests because they are conducted only if a global F test reaches statistical significance.
F Ratio
Used in the analysis of variance, the F ratio is the quotient of variance between groups divided by the variance within groups.
Main Effect
In a factorial design a main effect is the influence of one factor on the dependent variable while disregarding the other factors.
Interaction
In a factorial design an interaction is the combined influence of more than one factor on the dependent variable.
Test for Trend
A specific type of a priori comparison in which one tests for a particular type of relationship (e.g., linear, quadratic) with an independent and dependent variable.
Orthogonal Components
Independent contributions to the total sum of squares in an ANOVA. In general, the term “orthogonal” means independent.
Dunnett’s T-Test
This is one of the post-hoc tests in which all groups are compared with a reference group. The results of the Dunnett Test should be reported only if the global ANOVA reaches statistical significance.
Regression Line
A type of analysis to reveal the nature and degree of association of two measurements.
Slope
The rate of change of a line. The slope describes how fast the line is rising or sinking. It is expressed as the change in y per unit change in x.
Y-Intercept
The point along the ordinate (the y axis) where a line cuts through when x = 0
Pearson Correlation Coefficient
A parametric measure of association, bounded by + or - 1 in which the observed covariance of two variables is divided by the maximum possible covariance.
Homoscedasity
One of the main assumptions of regression analysis which states that the variability of the y variable is constant across values of x.