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Juan H Klopper
If you’ve ever skipped over the results section of a medical paper because terms like “confidence interval” or “p-value” go over your head, then you’re in the right place. You may be a clinical practitioner reading research articles to keep up-to-date with developments in your field or a medical student wondering how to approach your own research. Greater confidence in understanding statistical analysis and the results can benefit both working professionals and those undertaking research themselves.
Read more
If you’ve ever skipped over the results section of a medical paper because terms like “confidence interval” or “p-value” go over your head, then you’re in the right place. You may be a clinical practitioner reading research articles to keep up-to-date with developments in your field or a medical student wondering how to approach your own research. Greater confidence in understanding statistical analysis and the results can benefit both working professionals and those undertaking research themselves.
Read more
If you’ve ever skipped over the results section of a medical paper because terms like “confidence interval” or “p-value” go over your head, then you’re in the right place. You may be a clinical practitioner reading research articles to keep up-to-date with developments in your field or a medical student wondering how to approach your own research. Greater confidence in understanding statistical analysis and the results can benefit both working professionals and those undertaking research themselves.
If you are simply interested in properly understanding the published literature or if you are embarking on conducting your own research, this course is your first step. It offers an easy entry into interpreting common statistical concepts without getting into nitty-gritty mathematical formulae. To be able to interpret and understand these concepts is the best way to start your journey into the world of clinical literature. That’s where this course comes in - so let’s get started!
The course is free to enroll and take. You will be offered the option of purchasing a certificate of completion which you become eligible for, if you successfully complete the course requirements. This can be an excellent way of staying motivated! Financial Aid is also available.
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What's inside
Syllabus
Getting things started by defining study types
Welcome to the first week. Here we’ll provide an intuitive understanding of clinical research results. So this isn’t a comprehensive statistics course - rather it offers a practical orientation to the field of medical research and commonly used statistical analysis. The first topics we will look at are research methods and data collection with a specific focus on study types. By the end, you should be able to identify which study types are being used and why the researchers selected them, when you are later reading a published paper.
Read more
Syllabus
Getting things started by defining study types
Welcome to the first week. Here we’ll provide an intuitive understanding of clinical research results. So this isn’t a comprehensive statistics course - rather it offers a practical orientation to the field of medical research and commonly used statistical analysis. The first topics we will look at are research methods and data collection with a specific focus on study types. By the end, you should be able to identify which study types are being used and why the researchers selected them, when you are later reading a published paper.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Examines medical research practices and results, including why researchers select specific study types to gather data
Provides an easy and practical entry into interpreting common statistical concepts without requiring a deep dive into mathematical formulas
Provides an intuitive understanding of the concept of a p-value and explores the Central Limit Theorem and data distribution
Covers a range of statistical tests, including t-tests, analysis of variance, and linear regression, and their strict assumptions
Addresses the accuracy of results and guides learners in choosing appropriate tests and interpreting positive and negative results
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Reviews summary
Statistics for clinical research interpretation
According to learners, this course offers a highly valuable foundation for understanding the statistics behind clinical research. Many found the explanations of complex concepts like p-values and confidence intervals to be clear and intuitive, presented without excessive mathematical detail. Students appreciated how the course helps them interpret research papers more effectively. Some learners noted it is an excellent starting point, particularly for those with limited prior statistics knowledge, though a few suggested it could benefit from slightly more in-depth coverage on certain topics or additional examples.
Focuses on interpretation over calculation.
"Loved the practical approach to understanding statistics relevant to clinical research."
"Focuses on understanding *how* to interpret statistical results in papers, which is exactly what I needed."
"Didn't get bogged down in formulas, focused on the meaning and use of statistics in real research."
"It’s a great course focusing on understanding, not calculating."
Well-suited for those new to medical statistics.
"Fantastic introductory course for anyone who is reading medical literature and not familiar with statistics."
"This course is highly recommended for anyone who is new to statistics but wants to interpret clinical data."
"As someone with very little stats background, I found this course extremely helpful and easy to follow."
"Perfect for medical students and practitioners who need to understand statistics but are not statisticians."
Provides a solid base for interpreting clinical studies.
"Great course for understanding clinical research results without getting into deep statistics calculations."
"This course gives a solid foundation for understanding published literature in clinical research."
"Very good course for understanding the basics of statistics used in clinical research papers."
"It was a very helpful course for my first steps into understanding and evaluating clinical research results."
Simplifies complex stats concepts like p-values.
"The course provides an intuitive understanding of basic statistics, particularly p-value, without delving into complex math."
"Excellent course to get an intuitive feel for concepts like p-values, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing and different tests."
"It helped clear up a lot of confusion regarding p-values and confidence intervals. Very intuitive."
"I finally understand P values! Great explanations and no complicated math."
Some found depth or examples lacking.
"While a great intro, I feel some topics could have been explored a bit more deeply."
"I wished there were more practical examples or case studies to solidify the concepts."
"Good overview, but might require supplementary learning for a deeper understanding of some tests."
"A bit superficial on certain tests, but delivers on its promise of being an 'intuitive' introduction."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Understanding Clinical Research: Behind the Statistics with these
activities:
Review basic math skills
Show steps
Ensure you have a strong foundation in basic math skills to support your understanding of statistical analysis.
Browse courses on
Math
Show steps
-
Review topics such as algebra, probability, and calculus.
-
Take practice problems to test your understanding.
Review basic probability theory concepts
Show steps
Strengthen your foundation in probability theory, a key component in understanding medical research statistics.
Browse courses on
Probability
Show steps
-
Review lecture notes or textbooks
-
Solve practice problems
Review statistics fundamentals
Show steps
Brush up on basic statistical concepts to strengthen your understanding of the course material.
Browse courses on
Statistics
Show steps
-
Go over your notes or textbooks from previous statistics courses.
-
Complete online practice problems or quizzes.
12 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 15 activities
Watch a video tutorial on interpreting p-values and effect sizes
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of the importance and nuances of p-values and effect sizes in medical research.
Browse courses on
P-Values
Show steps
-
Find a reputable video tutorial (e.g., YouTube, Khan Academy)
-
Watch and understand the concepts
Do sample problems in Statistics
Show steps
Practice interpreting statistical analysis and results by doing sample problems.
Browse courses on
Statistics
Show steps
-
Find a set of sample problems online or in a textbook.
-
Work through the problems, taking your time to understand the concepts.
-
Check your answers against the provided solutions.
Join a study group with classmates
Show steps
Collaborate with peers to review course material, work through problems, and quiz each other.
Browse courses on
Medical Research
Show steps
-
Find or create a study group
-
Meet regularly to discuss course content
-
Work on practice problems together
Form a study group
Show steps
Collaborate with peers to review and discuss key concepts.
Show steps
-
Identify classmates who share your interest in forming a study group.
-
Meet regularly to discuss class materials and work through practice problems.
Explore online resources for statistical analysis
Show steps
Expand your knowledge by engaging with online tutorials and resources.
Browse courses on
Statistical Analysis
Show steps
-
Search for reputable websites or platforms offering tutorials on statistical analysis.
-
Select a specific topic or concept to focus on.
-
Follow the tutorials, complete exercises, and apply what you learn.
Follow a guided tutorial on confidence intervals
Show steps
Gain a clear understanding of confidence intervals and their interpretation in medical research.
Browse courses on
Confidence Intervals
Show steps
-
Find a reputable online tutorial (e.g., Coursera, edX)
-
Watch the tutorial videos and complete the exercises
Practice t-test problem sets
Show steps
Solve a variety of t-tests to develop a more intuitive understanding.
Show steps
-
Find a reputable source for t-test practice problems.
-
Set aside 1 hour to work through the problems.
-
Review your answers with a classmate or tutor for feedback.
Create a course summary document
Show steps
Improve your retention and understanding by compiling key concepts, notes, and insights from the course.
Browse courses on
Medical Research
Show steps
-
Go through your notes, assignments, and quizzes
-
Summarize key points and concepts
-
Create a well-organized document for future reference
Practice t-tests using a statistical package
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of t-tests by working through practical examples.
Browse courses on
Hypothesis Testing
Show steps
-
Choose a statistical package (e.g., SPSS, SAS, R)
-
Enter your data into the software
-
Select the appropriate t-test (e.g., independent samples, paired samples)
-
Interpret the output (e.g., p-value, confidence intervals)
Create a statistical analysis infographic
Show steps
Synthesize your understanding by creating a visual representation of statistical concepts.
Browse courses on
Statistical Analysis
Show steps
-
Identify a specific statistical concept to focus on.
-
Gather data and perform analysis using appropriate statistical methods.
-
Design an infographic that clearly presents your findings and insights.
Create a poster presentation on a statistical analysis concept
Show steps
Deepen your understanding and enhance your communication skills by presenting a statistical concept in a visual format.
Browse courses on
Statistical Analysis
Show steps
-
Choose a statistical concept (e.g., p-value, hypothesis testing)
-
Gather and analyze data
-
Design and create a poster
-
Present your poster to peers or faculty
Conduct a small research study using basic statistical methods
Show steps
Apply your knowledge and skills to design and conduct a research study, deepening your understanding of medical statistics.
Browse courses on
Medical Research
Show steps
-
Identify a research question and develop a study design
-
Collect and analyze data
-
Interpret your findings and write a report
Review basic math skills
Show steps
Ensure you have a strong foundation in basic math skills to support your understanding of statistical analysis.
Browse courses on
Math
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review topics such as algebra, probability, and calculus.
- Take practice problems to test your understanding.
Review basic probability theory concepts
Show steps
Strengthen your foundation in probability theory, a key component in understanding medical research statistics.
Browse courses on
Probability
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review lecture notes or textbooks
- Solve practice problems
Review statistics fundamentals
Show steps
Brush up on basic statistical concepts to strengthen your understanding of the course material.
Browse courses on
Statistics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Go over your notes or textbooks from previous statistics courses.
- Complete online practice problems or quizzes.
12 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 15 activities
Watch a video tutorial on interpreting p-values and effect sizes
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of the importance and nuances of p-values and effect sizes in medical research.
Browse courses on
P-Values
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a reputable video tutorial (e.g., YouTube, Khan Academy)
- Watch and understand the concepts
Do sample problems in Statistics
Show steps
Practice interpreting statistical analysis and results by doing sample problems.
Browse courses on
Statistics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a set of sample problems online or in a textbook.
- Work through the problems, taking your time to understand the concepts.
- Check your answers against the provided solutions.
Join a study group with classmates
Show steps
Collaborate with peers to review course material, work through problems, and quiz each other.
Browse courses on
Medical Research
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find or create a study group
- Meet regularly to discuss course content
- Work on practice problems together
Form a study group
Show steps
Collaborate with peers to review and discuss key concepts.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify classmates who share your interest in forming a study group.
- Meet regularly to discuss class materials and work through practice problems.
Explore online resources for statistical analysis
Show steps
Expand your knowledge by engaging with online tutorials and resources.
Browse courses on
Statistical Analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for reputable websites or platforms offering tutorials on statistical analysis.
- Select a specific topic or concept to focus on.
- Follow the tutorials, complete exercises, and apply what you learn.
Follow a guided tutorial on confidence intervals
Show steps
Gain a clear understanding of confidence intervals and their interpretation in medical research.
Browse courses on
Confidence Intervals
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a reputable online tutorial (e.g., Coursera, edX)
- Watch the tutorial videos and complete the exercises
Practice t-test problem sets
Show steps
Solve a variety of t-tests to develop a more intuitive understanding.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a reputable source for t-test practice problems.
- Set aside 1 hour to work through the problems.
- Review your answers with a classmate or tutor for feedback.
Create a course summary document
Show steps
Improve your retention and understanding by compiling key concepts, notes, and insights from the course.
Browse courses on
Medical Research
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Go through your notes, assignments, and quizzes
- Summarize key points and concepts
- Create a well-organized document for future reference
Practice t-tests using a statistical package
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of t-tests by working through practical examples.
Browse courses on
Hypothesis Testing
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a statistical package (e.g., SPSS, SAS, R)
- Enter your data into the software
- Select the appropriate t-test (e.g., independent samples, paired samples)
- Interpret the output (e.g., p-value, confidence intervals)
Create a statistical analysis infographic
Show steps
Synthesize your understanding by creating a visual representation of statistical concepts.
Browse courses on
Statistical Analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a specific statistical concept to focus on.
- Gather data and perform analysis using appropriate statistical methods.
- Design an infographic that clearly presents your findings and insights.
Create a poster presentation on a statistical analysis concept
Show steps
Deepen your understanding and enhance your communication skills by presenting a statistical concept in a visual format.
Browse courses on
Statistical Analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a statistical concept (e.g., p-value, hypothesis testing)
- Gather and analyze data
- Design and create a poster
- Present your poster to peers or faculty
Conduct a small research study using basic statistical methods
Show steps
Apply your knowledge and skills to design and conduct a research study, deepening your understanding of medical statistics.
Browse courses on
Medical Research
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a research question and develop a study design
- Collect and analyze data
- Interpret your findings and write a report
Career center
Learners who complete Understanding Clinical Research: Behind the Statistics will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Biostatistician
Biostatistician
As a Biostatistician, you will be responsible for designing, analyzing, and interpreting clinical research studies. This course, Understanding Clinical Research: Behind the Statistics, provides a comprehensive overview of the statistical methods used in clinical research. It covers topics such as study types, describing data, building an intuitive understanding of statistical analysis, hypothesis testing and confidence levels, and which test should you use. This knowledge is essential for Biostatisticians who want to work in the healthcare industry or in any field that involves clinical research.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
Interpreting clinical research is an essential part of being a Data Analyst, as it allows one to draw meaningful insights from data. This course, Understanding Clinical Research: Behind the Statistics, provides a solid foundation in understanding statistical analysis and the results of clinical research. It covers topics such as study types, describing data, building an intuitive understanding of statistical analysis, hypothesis testing and confidence levels, and which test should you use. This knowledge is essential for Data Analysts who want to work in the healthcare industry or in any field that involves analyzing clinical data.
Clinical Research Associate
Clinical Research Associate
Clinical Research Associates are responsible for managing clinical research studies. This includes tasks such as recruiting participants, collecting data, and monitoring the progress of the study. This course, Understanding Clinical Research: Behind the Statistics, provides a solid foundation in understanding statistical analysis and the results of clinical research. It covers topics such as study types, describing data, building an intuitive understanding of statistical analysis, hypothesis testing and confidence levels, and which test should you use. This knowledge is essential for Clinical Research Associates who want to work in the healthcare industry or in any field that involves clinical research.
Medical Writer
Medical Writer
Medical Writers are responsible for writing scientific documents, such as clinical research reports and journal articles. This course, Understanding Clinical Research: Behind the Statistics, provides a solid foundation in understanding statistical analysis and the results of clinical research. It covers topics such as study types, describing data, building an intuitive understanding of statistical analysis, hypothesis testing and confidence levels, and which test should you use. This knowledge is essential for Medical Writers who want to work in the healthcare industry or in any field that involves writing about clinical research.
Healthcare Consultant
Healthcare Consultant
Healthcare Consultants provide advice to healthcare organizations on a variety of topics, including clinical research. This course, Understanding Clinical Research: Behind the Statistics, provides a solid foundation in understanding statistical analysis and the results of clinical research. It covers topics such as study types, describing data, building an intuitive understanding of statistical analysis, hypothesis testing and confidence levels, and which test should you use. This knowledge is essential for Healthcare Consultants who want to work in the healthcare industry or in any field that involves advising on clinical research.
Pharmacist
Pharmacist
Pharmacists are responsible for dispensing medications and providing advice on their use. This course, Understanding Clinical Research: Behind the Statistics, provides a solid foundation in understanding statistical analysis and the results of clinical research. It covers topics such as study types, describing data, building an intuitive understanding of statistical analysis, hypothesis testing and confidence levels, and which test should you use. This knowledge is essential for Pharmacists who want to work in the healthcare industry or in any field that involves interpreting clinical research.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists are responsible for studying the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations. As part of their work, they often interpret clinical research studies. This course, Understanding Clinical Research: Behind the Statistics, may be useful for Epidemiologists who want to build a stronger foundation in understanding statistical analysis and the results of clinical research. It covers topics such as study types, describing data, building an intuitive understanding of statistical analysis, hypothesis testing and confidence levels, and which test should you use.
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistants are responsible for providing medical care under the supervision of a physician. As part of their work, they often review and interpret clinical research studies. This course, Understanding Clinical Research: Behind the Statistics, may be useful for Physician Assistants who want to build a stronger foundation in understanding statistical analysis and the results of clinical research. It covers topics such as study types, describing data, building an intuitive understanding of statistical analysis, hypothesis testing and confidence levels, and which test should you use.
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Practitioners are responsible for providing healthcare services to patients. As part of their work, they often review and interpret clinical research studies. This course, Understanding Clinical Research: Behind the Statistics, may be useful for Nurse Practitioners who want to build a stronger foundation in understanding statistical analysis and the results of clinical research. It covers topics such as study types, describing data, building an intuitive understanding of statistical analysis, hypothesis testing and confidence levels, and which test should you use.
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Administrators are responsible for managing healthcare organizations. As part of their work, they often review and interpret clinical research studies. This course, Understanding Clinical Research: Behind the Statistics, may be useful for Healthcare Administrators who want to build a stronger foundation in understanding statistical analysis and the results of clinical research. It covers topics such as study types, describing data, building an intuitive understanding of statistical analysis, hypothesis testing and confidence levels, and which test should you use.
Public Health Educator
Public Health Educator
Public Health Educators are responsible for teaching people about health and disease prevention. As part of their work, they often review and interpret clinical research studies. This course, Understanding Clinical Research: Behind the Statistics, may be useful for Public Health Educators who want to build a stronger foundation in understanding statistical analysis and the results of clinical research. It covers topics such as study types, describing data, building an intuitive understanding of statistical analysis, hypothesis testing and confidence levels, and which test should you use.
Health Policy Analyst
Health Policy Analyst
Health Policy Analysts are responsible for analyzing health policy issues. As part of their work, they often review and interpret clinical research studies. This course, Understanding Clinical Research: Behind the Statistics, may be useful for Health Policy Analysts who want to build a stronger foundation in understanding statistical analysis and the results of clinical research. It covers topics such as study types, describing data, building an intuitive understanding of statistical analysis, hypothesis testing and confidence levels, and which test should you use.
Science Writer
Science Writer
Science Writers are responsible for writing about scientific topics for a general audience. As part of their work, they often review and interpret clinical research studies. This course, Understanding Clinical Research: Behind the Statistics, may be useful for Science Writers who want to build a stronger foundation in understanding statistical analysis and the results of clinical research. It covers topics such as study types, describing data, building an intuitive understanding of statistical analysis, hypothesis testing and confidence levels, and which test should you use.
Medical Librarian
Medical Librarian
Medical Librarians are responsible for managing and providing access to medical information. As part of their work, they often review and interpret clinical research studies. This course, Understanding Clinical Research: Behind the Statistics, may be useful for Medical Librarians who want to build a stronger foundation in understanding statistical analysis and the results of clinical research. It covers topics such as study types, describing data, building an intuitive understanding of statistical analysis, hypothesis testing and confidence levels, and which test should you use.
Healthcare Data Analyst
Healthcare Data Analyst
Healthcare Data Analysts are responsible for analyzing data to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare services. As part of their work, they often review and interpret clinical research studies. This course, Understanding Clinical Research: Behind the Statistics, may be useful for Healthcare Data Analysts who want to build a stronger foundation in understanding statistical analysis and the results of clinical research. It covers topics such as study types, describing data, building an intuitive understanding of statistical analysis, hypothesis testing and confidence levels, and which test should you use.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/c7sdbi/understanding
Reading list
We've selected nine books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Understanding Clinical Research: Behind the Statistics.
Provides a concise and practical guide to understanding and applying basic statistical methods in medical research.
Save
Considered the definitive reference by many practitioners, this book offers an overview of statistical methods used in clinical research. It is very technical and likely more of a reference than a textbook.
Provides a practical guide to interpreting clinical research. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to read and understand clinical research studies.
Provides a practical guide to statistical methods used in health care research. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to apply statistical methods to their own research.
Offers a comprehensive overview of statistical methods used in the design and analysis of clinical trials.
Bridges the gap between the methodological literature and computer programming instructions.
Save
Provides a solid foundation in biostatistical methods, covering topics such as probability, inference, and regression.
A readable introductory text covering topics such as study design, data collection and analysis, and interpretation.
Save
A resource for learning how to read and evaluate medical research papers. Less technical and more accessible than other books on this list.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/c7sdbi/understanding
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Effort
6 weeks of study, 2-3 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Cape Town
Instructor
Juan H Klopper
Language
English
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