IMT 1: Intuitive Statistics

Why Bother with Statistics


We need to communicate concepts and
insights

When describing something, it is easier to
remember a few primary features than all
the details

When comparing two or more things, its
easier to compare a few primary properties
than compare every detail
Equations or Visual Aids


Equations provide mathematical precision and
are essential for producing consistent results

For most, equations rarely have an obvious
visual analog, and therefore are memorized
instead of intuitively grapsed

IMT will provide many visual analogs of
frequently used equations
Engineer's view of biology: Main Ideas

Its easier for me to explore biological issues by realizing

that there are only a few fundamental processes essential
for life. This helps avoid detail overload as one starts out
on a learning trail

Replication (manufacturing)

Reproduction

Signaling

Transduction

Metabolism
What to learn?


TeamLEAD is based on just-in-time learning

TeamLEAD depends on Google and Internet access

TeamLEAD reinforces core concepts via initial
preparation, IRA, GRA and the application

Forgetting: A concept encountered once is quickly.
Repetition amplifies retention. Similarly, infrequently
used concepts are often forgotten.

80/20 rule: We will convey the essential biostatistical
concepts we use 80% of the time. We will provide a
framework for self-learning the other 20% when you need
it.
Basic Vocabulary
Language of Biostatistics


Continuous variable 
Confidence Interval

Categorical variable 
Null Hypothesis

Mean 
Power

Variance 
Type I, II error

Standard Deviation 
Sampling

Proportion 
P value

Normal Distribution

Histogram
Mean, Mode, Median, Range and Variance
You make several observations of blood pressure with other
members of your class

The mean is the average value: Sum(values)/N

The mode is the most frequently occurring value

The media is the value separating 50% greater and 50%
less

The range is the difference between the maximum and
minimum values

The variance is the average of the squared difference
between each measurement and the mean.

The Standard Deviation is the square root of the
variance. It also is approximately Range / 4
www.duke-nus.edu.sg