Trent Research & Development Support Unit

• Understand and handle different types of quantitative data in SPSS
• Create a clean dataset in SPSS
• Create simple graphics such as histograms in SPSS
• Use frequency tables and simple descriptive statistics to check data in SPSS

Basic Statistics - Describing and Exploring Data in SPSS

1 half day

• Correctly identify different types of quantitative data, and choose appropriate techniques to describe them
• Understand and use basic descriptive statistics, such as mean, median, standard deviation and inter-quartile range
• Be able to present data in tables using SPSS
• Be aware of the range of graphs available in SPSS, and of the key steps to good practice in data presentation

• Distinguish the two main sources of error in study results: bias (systematic error) and random error
• Calculate some simple confidence intervals
• Understand how to interpret confidence intervals and the results of statistical tests
• Realise the implications of precision for study design

• Understand the following concepts in relation to sample size calculation:
  • Power
  • Significance Level
  • One-tailed and Two-tailed tests
  • Standard Deviation
  • Smallest Clinically Important Difference
  • Other factors affecting sample size
    
• Decide on the appropriate sample size for a given experimental design using:
  • Formulae
  • Computer programs
  • Web based programs
  • Sample Size Tables
• Present the results of a sample size calculation
  

• Understand the need for methods to analyse categorical data, spearate from those needed to analyse continuously measured data
• Be able to carry out the chi-squared test using SPSS, and to interpret the results
• Be aware of the assumptions underlying the chi-squared test, and be able to use alternative methods when necessary
  

• Choose, carry out in SPSS and correctly interpret a statistical comparison of two unmatched or matched groups with measured or scale data
  

• Load and access Statplus in Excel
• Create a clean dataset in Excel
• Create simple graphics such as histograms using Statplus
• Use pivot tables and simple descriptive statistics to check data in Excel

• Be aware of the particular nature of survival time data, including ‘censored’ times, and the need to analyse using specific statistical methods
• Present and interpret survival curves
• Compare the survival of groups using the logrank test

• Correctly identify and summarise different types of quantitative data.
• Understand and use basic descriptive statistics, such as mean, median, standard deviation and interquartile range
• Present data in tables using Microsoft Excel
• Be aware of the range of graphs available in Excel with Statplus, and of good practice in data presentation

• Understand the concepts of the 'hazard function' and 'hazard ratio'
• Use the Cox proportional hazards model - to compare groups with adjustment for confounding variables, with awareness of the assumptions and limitations of the model
  

• Manipulate different types of quantitative data in SPSS, and handle missing data
• Appreciate the role and limitations of ANCOVA and ANOVA in applied health and social care research
• Be able to carry out and interpret correctly analyses using simple linear regression, ANCOVA and ANOVA using SPSS

• Have an understanding of Ethical approval - the philosophy behind ethical approval, what is a REC and how does it operate, key principles in making a good application
• Have an understanding of NHS R&D Approval - why is it necessary, what does it cover and how to navigate the approval process successfully

• Understand the principles of critical appraisal
• Know about resources to help you
• Be able to critically appraise a piece of research

• Understand the importance of managing references in the research process
• Be aware of some of the major Bibliographic Reference Management Software (BRS) packages
• Gain experience of using one particular package, Endnote, including creating references, importing references from databases such as Medline, and inserting references into a word document using the ‘Cite while you Write’ function
  

• Understand the structure of a scientific paper
• Know how to select the best target journals for their work
• Understand the peer-review process
• Increase the chances of getting their work published