Introduction to Statistical Analysis in Research - With Applications in the Biological and Life Sciences

An Introduction to Statistical Analyses in Research: With Applications in the Biological and Life Sciences focuses on developing a conceptual foundation of knowledge in statistical analysis while providing readers with opportunities to practice these skills via research-based data sets in biology, kinesiology, and physical anthropology. Readers are provided with a detailed introduction and orientation to statistical analysis as well as practical examples to ensure a thorough understanding of the concepts and methodology. In addition, the book addresses not just the statistical concepts researchers should be familiar with, but also demonstrates their relevance to actual research questions and how to perform them using easily available software packages including R, SPSS, Microsoft Excel Office, and Numbers. The authors successfully fill the gap between theoretically driven, mathematically heavy texts and introductory, step-by-step type of books while preparing readers with the programming skills needed to carry out basic statistical tests and interpret the results. Specific emphasis is on the practical application of statistics in the biological and life sciences, while enhancing reader skills in identifying the research questions and testable hypotheses, determining the appropriate experimental methodology and statistical analyses, processing data, and reporting the research outcomes. Topical coverage includes: experimental design; data presentation; central tendency and distribution; parametric vs. non-parametric tests; student's t-test; analysis of variance (ANOVA); Mann Whitney U-test and Wilcoxon signed rank test; Kruskal-Wallis test; Chi-square test; Pearson correlation and Spearman rank order test; simple linear regression; basics in Excel; basics in SPSS; basics in Numbers; and basics in R. An optimized, interactive ebook is also available. This version contains identical text to that of the print book, but is enhanced with multiple choice questions, quizzes, animated figures, and video tutorials for each of the four software platforms.