scholarly journals Basic principles of descriptive statistics in medical research

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 4-16
Author(s):  
N. M. Bulanov ◽  
A. Yu. Suvorov ◽  
O. B. Blyuss ◽  
D. B. Munblit ◽  
D. V. Butnaru ◽  
...  

Descriptive statistics provides tools to explore, summarize and illustrate the research data. In this tutorial we discuss two main types of data - qualitative and quantitative variables, and the most common approaches to characterize data distribution numerically and graphically. This article presents two important sets of parameters - measures of the central tendency (mean, median and mode) and variation (standard deviation, quantiles) and suggests the most suitable conditions for their application. We explain the difference between the general population and random samples, that are usually analyzed in studies. The parameters which characterize the sample (for example, measures of the central tendency) are point estimates, that can differ from the respective parameters of the general population. We introduce the concept of confidence interval - the range of values, which likely includes the true value of the parameter for the general population. All concepts and definitions are illustrated with examples, which simulate the research data.

2021 ◽  
pp. 259-294
Author(s):  
Aaron Williamon ◽  
Jane Ginsborg ◽  
Rosie Perkins ◽  
George Waddell

Chapter 10 of Performing Music Research sets out the fundamental principles that underpin all statistics. Statistics must be used with care, and strict conditions govern their deployment, many of which have to be considered in the earliest stages of research. The chapter discusses techniques for organizing, describing, and summarizing data. It introduces the concepts of central tendency and variability, as it is essential for carrying out statistical tests to know the difference between means, medians, and modes, and when and how to use them, and to understand how data vary within, as well as between, samples.


2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 137
Author(s):  
Noorlela Binti Noordin ◽  
Abdul Razaq Ahmad ◽  
Anuar Ahmad

This study was aimed to evaluate the Malay proficiency among students in Form Two especially non-Malay students and its relationship to academic achievement History. To achieve the purpose of the study there are two objectives, the first is to look at the difference between mean of Malay Language test influences min of academic achievement of History subject among non-Malay students in Form Two and the second is the relationship between the level of Malay proficiency and their academic achievement for History. This study used quantitative methods, which involved 100 people of Form Two non-Malay students in one of the schools in Klang, Selangor. This study used quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and statistical inference with IBM SPSS Statistics v22 software. This study found that there was a relationship between the proficiency of Malay language among non-Malay students with achievements in the subject of History. The implications of this study are discussed in this article.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
T M Mikkola ◽  
H Kautiainen ◽  
M Mänty ◽  
M B von Bonsdorff ◽  
T Kröger ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose Mortality appears to be lower in family caregivers than in the general population. However, there is lack of knowledge whether the difference in mortality between family caregivers and the general population is dependent on age. The purpose of this study was to analyze all-cause mortality in relation to age in family caregivers and to study their cause-specific mortality using data from multiple Finnish national registers. Methods The data included all individuals, who received family caregiver's allowance in Finland in 2012 (n = 42 256, mean age 67 years, 71% women) and a control population matched for age, sex, and municipality of residence (n = 83 618). Information on dates and causes of death between 2012 and 2017 were obtained from the Finnish Causes of Death Register. Flexible parametric survival modeling and competing risk regression adjusted for socioeconomic status were used. Results The total follow-up time was 717 877 person-years. Family caregivers had lower all-cause mortality than the controls over the follow-up (8.1% vs. 11.6%) both among women (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.61-0.68) and men (HR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.70-0.77). Younger adult caregivers had equal or only slightly lower mortality than their controls, but after age 60, the difference increased markedly resulting in over 10% lower mortality in favor of the caregivers in the oldest age groups. Caregivers had lower mortality for all the causes of death studied, namely cardiovascular, cancer, neurological, external, respiratory, gastrointestinal and dementia than the controls. Of these, the lowest was the risk for dementia (subhazard ratio=0.29, 95%CI: 0.25-0.34). Conclusions Older family caregivers have lower mortality than the age-matched controls from the general population while younger caregivers have similar mortality to their peers. This age-dependent advantage in mortality is likely to reflect selection of healthier individuals into the family caregiver role. Key messages The difference in mortality between family caregivers and the age-matched general population varies considerably with age. Advantage in mortality observed in family caregiver studies is likely to reflect the selection of healthier individuals into the caregiver role, which underestimates the adverse effects of caregiving.


1988 ◽  
Vol 66 (3) ◽  
pp. 801-802 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Rae Harcum

An important principle to demonstrate in the first course in psychology is that correlation and causality are not the same. This note describes an apparatus useful in demonstrating the point: correlation does not necessarily imply causality. A black box contains a crank on one end and a flag on the other, without a connection between them. When the instructor overtly turns the crank and, in synchrony, covertly operates another mechanism to wave the flag, the students develop a strong delusion from the mere correlation of the two observed events that turning the crank causes the flag to wave. This demonstration becomes the basis for a discussion of this pitfall in interpreting both research data and life experiences.


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Adi Syahputra

Good laboratories should be able to apply procedures uncertainty for measuring of both conventional and instrument equipment. As well as the testing for Fe content using UV-Vis Spectrophotometer. As for the purpose for calculating the uncertainty estimated to determine the range of values within which estimated the true value of the testing standard solution Fe using UV-Vis Spectrophotometer. The uncertainty estimation are influenced by several factors such as sample used, reading of spectrophotometer, repeatability, sample volume. The uncertainty of the calculation obtained a value of ± 0,02 mg/L. Further testing of Fe content in the clean water using UV-Vis Spectrophotometer  at the 500 nm wavelength which forms an orange solution as indication of Fe content in the water. The result of Fe content has quality standards according to the spesifications issued by ministry of health Republic of Indonesia  in 2010 for drinking water.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 25
Author(s):  
Rita Aryani ◽  
Widodo Widodo

<p>This study analyzes the effect of knowledge management on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) mediating by empowerment. The research data was collected by a questionnaire through the survey methods toward 375 teachers. Data analysis uses path analysis supported by descriptive statistics. The results show that knowledge management had a significant effect on OCB mediating by empowerment. Thus, the teacher’s OCB can be improved through knowledge management and empowerment. This finding can be discussed as a reference among researchers and practitioners to develop better models of OCB in the future and various contexts of organizations.</p>


Author(s):  
Manjunath K. ◽  
Amardeep Singh ◽  
Manjunatha Rao S. V.

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of otomycosis, the clinical presentation, predisposing factors and treatment outcome.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This observational study was conducted at ENT Department of Basaveshwara Medical College and Hospital, Research centre, Chitradurga from May 2018 to June 2019, 13 months study. There were 50 patients with documented diagnosis of otomycosis. There were 19 (38%) males and 31 (62%) females. The age of patients ranged from 3 years to 65 years with mean age of 32.5 years. Mean follow-up time was 1 year (~13 months). The frequency, predisposing factors and most common symptoms of otomycosis were recorded along with the response to different Antifungal agents were observed and results were recorded in percentages. Data were analysed using SPSS 12 software. Results are based on descriptive statistics.  </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> We prescribed 1% clotrimazole drops or lotion in 58% of patients and 2% salicylic acid in 31% cases. Both of these agents are effective. Topical 1% clotrimazole drops yielded highest resolution rate with lowest recurrent rate. To analyse the efficacy of 1% clotrimazole and 2% salicylic acid. We applied Z-test to calculate the difference between two proportions of patients before treatment with those patients who remained uncured after treatment.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Otomycosis commonly prevented with hearing loss, pruritus, otalgia and otorrhoea. It usually resolves with local toilet of ear and installation of antifungal agents.</p>


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger P. A’Hern

Abstract Background Accuracy can be improved by taking multiple synchronous samples from each subject in a study to estimate the endpoint of interest if sample values are not highly correlated. If feasible, it is useful to assess the value of this cluster approach when planning studies. Multiple assessments may be the only method to increase power to an acceptable level if the number of subjects is limited. Methods The main aim is to estimate the difference in outcome between groups of subjects by taking one or more synchronous primary outcome samples or measurements. A summary statistic from multiple samples per subject will typically have a lower sampling error. The number of subjects can be balanced against the number of synchronous samples to minimize the sampling error, subject to design constraints. This approach can include estimating the optimum number of samples given the cost per subject and the cost per sample. Results The accuracy improvement achieved by taking multiple samples depends on the intra-class correlation (ICC). The lower the ICC, the greater the benefit that can accrue. If the ICC is high, then a second sample will provide little additional information about the subject’s true value. If the ICC is very low, adding a sample can be equivalent to adding an extra subject. Benefits of multiple samples include the ability to reduce the number of subjects in a study and increase both the power and the available alpha. If, for example, the ICC is 35%, adding a second measurement can be equivalent to adding 48% more subjects to a single measurement study. Conclusion A study’s design can sometimes be improved by taking multiple synchronous samples. It is useful to evaluate this strategy as an extension of a single sample design. An Excel workbook is provided to allow researchers to explore the most appropriate number of samples to take in a given setting.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 152
Author(s):  
Tania Intan ◽  
Muhamad Adji

This study discusses the reception of readers of the mega best-seller novel entitled Mariposa by Luluk HF. The purpose of this study is to (1) describe the reader's responses, (2) describe the horizon of readers' expectations, and (3) describe the factors that cause differences in responses and the horizon of expectations of readers of Mariposa's novel. The method applied is descriptive qualitative. This study uses a reception aesthetic approach that seeks to find consistent reception patterns as a reflection of the way the reader responds to the text. The research data consisted of texts containing the responses of twenty respondents from the data source in the form of the Goodreads reader site. The research results obtained are as follows. First, not all readers respond positively to the intrinsic elements of the novel, especially the characterization of the female protagonist who is considered to show aggressive behavior with a love motive. Second, most of the horizons of readers' expectations do not match the reality in Mariposa. Readings are generally motivated by curiosity because of the hyperbolic labeling of the novel, recommendations from friends, and the discourse of filming the novel. Third, the factors that cause the difference or suitability of the horizon of readers' expectations for the Mariposa novel are knowledge of literature, knowledge of life, and experience of reading literary works.


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