E-Book Overview
This is a highly accessible textbook on understanding statistics for the health sciences, both conceptually and via SPSS. The authors give clear explanations of the concepts underlying statistical analyzes and descriptions of how these analyzes are applied in health sciences research without complex statistical formulae. The book takes students from the basics of research design, hypothesis testing, and descriptive statistical techniques through to more advanced inferential statistical tests that health sciences students are likely to encounter. Exercises and tips throughout the book allow students to practice using SPSS.
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Statistics for the Health Sciences 2 Statistics for the Health Sciences A NON-MATHEMATICAL INTRODUCTION 3 Christine Dancey | John Reidy | Richard Rowe 4 SAGE has been part of the global academic community since 1965, supporting high quality research and learning that transforms society and our understanding of individuals, groups, and cultures. SAGE is the independent, innovative, natural home for authors, editors and societies who share our commitment and passion for the social sciences. Find out more at: www.sagepublications.com 5 © Christine P. Dancey, John G. Reidy and Richard Rowe 2012 First published 2012 Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of research or private study, or criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988, this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form, or by any means, only with the prior permission in writing of the publishers, or in the case of reprographic reproduction, in accordance with the terms of licences issued by the Copyright Licensing Agency. Enquiries concerning reproduction outside those terms should be sent to the publishers. All material on the accompanying website can be printed off and photocopied by the purchaser/user of the book. The web material itself may not be reproduced in its entirety for use by others without prior written permission from SAGE. The web material may not be distributed or sold separately from the book without the prior written permission of SAGE. Should anyone wish to use the materials from the website for conference purposes, they would require separate permission from us. All material is © Christine P. Dancey, John G. Reidy and Richard Rowe, 2012 SAGE Publications Ltd 1 Oliver’s Yard 55 City Road London EC1Y 1SP SAGE Publications Inc. 2455 Teller Road Thousand Oaks, California 91320 SAGE Publications India Pvt Ltd B 1/I 1 Mohan Cooperative Industrial Area Mathura Road New Delhi 110 044 SAGE Publications Asia-Pacific Pte Ltd 33 Pekin Street #02-01 Far East Square Singapore 048763 Library of Congress Control Number: 2012930387 British Library Cataloguing in Publication data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library ISBN 978-1-84920-335-7 ISBN 978-1-84920-336-4 (pbk) Typeset by Cenveo Publisher Services Printed and bound in Great Britain by Ashford Colour Press Ltd Printed on paper from sustainable resources 6 Christine would like to dedicate this book to Professor M. Rachel Mulvey, in celebration of all the shades of grey. ‘Le cœur a ses raisons que la raison ne connaît point.’ (Blaise Pascal, 1623–1662) John would like to dedicate this book to Lisa, Issy and Ollie … thank you for all your love and support … tomato! Richard would like to dedicate this book to his wonderful family: Richard (senior), Catherine, Becky, Emily and Lucy. 7 Contents About the Authors Preface Acknowledgements Companion Website 1 An Introduction to the Research Process Overview The Research Process Concepts and Variables Levels of Measurement Hypothesis Testing Evidence-Based Practice Research Designs Summary Multiple Choice Questio