Biostatistics Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Presenter: Dr. Ryan
• Series: Biostatistics
• Purpose: Important for board exams (INBDE, ADAT, AFK)
• Content Overview:
  • Practice questions from the first chapter
  • Insight into future chapters: study design and data interpretation

Practice Questions Overview

Question 1: PICO Framework

• Research Question: Does using an electric toothbrush reduce plaque and gingivitis more effectively than a manual toothbrush?
• PICO:
  • P: Adults
  • I: Electric toothbrush
  • C: Manual toothbrush
  • O: Reduction in plaque and gingivitis
• Answer: Intervention is using an electric toothbrush

Question 2: Finer Criteria & IRB

• Topic: Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval
• Finer Criteria: Framework for assessing research quality
• IRB Concern: Ethics, fairness, and human subject rights
• Answer: Ethical

Question 3: Research Paper Sections

• Question: Which section includes future research?
• Sections Overview:
  • Introduction: Background info
  • Methods: Study conduction details
  • Discussion: Findings interpretation, future research
  • Conclusion: Answers research question
• Answer: Discussion Section

Question 4: Ordinal Variables

• Choices: Eye color, blood type, zip code, socioeconomic status
• Answer: Socioeconomic status (ranked as low, middle, high)

Question 5: Statistics & Nominal Data

• Descriptive Statistics Types:
  • Frequency distribution
  • Central tendency (mean & median)
  • Variability (standard deviation)
• Nominal Data Limitations:
  • Only frequency distribution applicable
• Answer: Frequency distribution

Question 6: Predictor Variables

• Researchable Question: Mandibular fracture likelihood during surgery with third molars
• Predictor Variable: Presence of third molars
• Outcome Variable: Mandibular fracture
• Confounding Variables: Age, sex, ethnicity
• Constant: BSSO procedure

Question 7: Sampling Methods

• Sampling Types:
  • Census
  • Probability Sampling (random)
  • Non-random Sampling (convenience, judgmental)
• Answer: Probability Sampling

Question 8: Sampling & Allocation

• Study: Fluoride mouthwash efficacy
• Best Methods: Random sampling and random allocation
• Answer: Simple random sampling and random allocation

Question 9: Reducing Recall Bias

• Recall Bias: Common in retrospective studies
• Best Strategy: Reduce time between exposure and follow-up
• Answer: Decrease time from exposure to follow-up

Question 10: Observer Bias & Hawthorne Effect

• Hawthorne Effect: Change in behavior due to observation
• Related Bias: Observer Bias
• Answer: Observer Bias

Conclusion

• Next Steps: Continue studying types of studies
• Encouragement: Review earlier videos for clarification
• Additional Resources: Consider joining Patreon for exclusive content

Call to Action

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These notes summarize the key points from Dr. Ryan's biostatistics lecture, providing a comprehensive review of the discussed practice questions. This summary serves as a study guide for understanding the foundational concepts and preparing for board exams.