Macquarie University

Statistical Methods for Research - STAT704

This unit covers statistical principles and methods needed for the design, analysis and critical appraisal of scientific studies. The different types of study designs (observational, experimental; cross-sectional, longitudinal, retrospective), and different levels of data (continuous, categorical, ordinal), are discussed initially. Statistical distributions are introduced and univariate and multivariate methods covered, as appropriate for each study design and data type. These include one- and two-sample tests, analysis of variance and covariance, simple and multiple linear regression, logistic regression, Poisson regression, principal components analysis, factor analysis and cluster analysis. The design concepts of power, sample size calculation, randomization, blocking and replication are covered. Methods are illustrated and implemented on data sets from the students’ research areas where possible, using statistical software. Interpretation of results is emphasised throughout.