Module 1 - Introduction & Overview Flashcards
Case-Control Studies
- Compares 2 groups of samples with similar characteristics (cases & controls)
- In both groups 1/2 of sample is exposed 1/2 is not
- Researchers compare the differences between each group to determine why the cases got the disease
- Observational Study
Categorical Variables
- When values are based on distinct categories of qualities
- Examples: race, gender, religion, etc.
What are the 2 broader classifications of variables?
- Types of Variables
- Types of Scales
Statistics
Data or a number, the process of analyzing the data
A Statistic
A numerical summary of the sample of data
Nominal Scale
- Data is grouped into categories
- Examples: Yes/No; normal, overweight, obese
- Categorical Variables
Population
Total set of subjects of interest in a study
Parameter
A numerical summary of the population based on inferential statistics
Quantitative Variables
- The measurement scale has numeric values
- Examples: annual income, age, years of education completed, etc.
Inferential Statistics
Predicting information about a population based on data from a sample
n=
The total number of subjects in a sample
Variables
Characteristics that vary among subjects in a sample or population
What are the 2 major categories for study designs?
- Observational
- Experimental
Continuous Scale
- Part of Ratio Scale
- Has values on a continuum
- Example: Age
Observational Studies
- Observe the variables without intervention
- Example: Study to see if excessive body fat in children is due to a specific gene