Ateneo De Manila University
bi 232 : Introduction - Fundamentals of Biostatistics
Study Guide , Definitions & Notes
Biostatistics is the application of statistical theory and methods to research in the biological
sciences. As biology and medicine increasingly rely on data analysis, biostatistics has become a
crucial framework for research design, conduct, and interpretation. This introduction will cover
the fundamentals of biostatistics, including key terminology, data types, sampling methods, and
statistical inference.
What is Biostatistics?
Biostatistics refers to the development and application of statistical techniques and methodology
to address biological questions and interpret data in the health sciences. It involves the design
of studies, quantification of biomedical data, statistical analysis, and interpretation of results.
Biostatisticians apply statistical principles to design studies, analyze data, and reach valid
conclusions in biological, medical, and public health research.
Types of Data
There are two main types of data in biostatistics:
Quantitative data is numerical in nature and can be analyzed using mathematical models.
Examples include clinical measurements like heart rate, blood pressure, and serum cholesterol
levels.
Qualitative data deals with categorical attributes that cannot be quantified numerically.
Examples include gender, eye color, smoking status, and other attributes.
Levels of Measurement
Quantitative data can be categorized into different levels of measurement:
Nominal: Classification into unordered qualitative categories, like gender or blood type.
Ordinal: Ranked categories indicating relative magnitude. For example, disease stage or pain
on a scale from mild to severe.
Interval: Quantitative variables with arbitrary zero points. Temperature measured in Celsius or
Fahrenheit fall under this level.
bi 232 : Introduction - Fundamentals of Biostatistics
Study Guide , Definitions & Notes
Biostatistics is the application of statistical theory and methods to research in the biological
sciences. As biology and medicine increasingly rely on data analysis, biostatistics has become a
crucial framework for research design, conduct, and interpretation. This introduction will cover
the fundamentals of biostatistics, including key terminology, data types, sampling methods, and
statistical inference.
What is Biostatistics?
Biostatistics refers to the development and application of statistical techniques and methodology
to address biological questions and interpret data in the health sciences. It involves the design
of studies, quantification of biomedical data, statistical analysis, and interpretation of results.
Biostatisticians apply statistical principles to design studies, analyze data, and reach valid
conclusions in biological, medical, and public health research.
Types of Data
There are two main types of data in biostatistics:
Quantitative data is numerical in nature and can be analyzed using mathematical models.
Examples include clinical measurements like heart rate, blood pressure, and serum cholesterol
levels.
Qualitative data deals with categorical attributes that cannot be quantified numerically.
Examples include gender, eye color, smoking status, and other attributes.
Levels of Measurement
Quantitative data can be categorized into different levels of measurement:
Nominal: Classification into unordered qualitative categories, like gender or blood type.
Ordinal: Ranked categories indicating relative magnitude. For example, disease stage or pain
on a scale from mild to severe.
Interval: Quantitative variables with arbitrary zero points. Temperature measured in Celsius or
Fahrenheit fall under this level.
