75199 - Statistics for the Experimental Research and Technology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will be able to understand the usefulness of the application of correct statistical tools for a research plan, to recognize the correct statistical tests to be used in the main research contexts and to correctly interpret statistical data reported in the scientific literature related to nurses and obstetric sciences.

Course contents

· Definition of statistics and its aims

· Definition of variables and of distribution

· How to do graphs and how to interpret them

· Basic descriptive statistics

· Inferential statistics: the comparison tests (ANOVA, ANCOVA, t-test, Non parametric tests)

· Correlation statistics: bivariate analysis, univariate regression analysis, multivariate regression analysis

· Association statistics: logistic regression

· Prediction statistics: Cox-analysis, Survival analysis, Curves of Kaplan-Meyer

· Diagnostics: sensibility and specificity, ROC curves

· Systematic reviews and Meta-analysis: definitions, data interpretation

The main statistical tests will be shown pratically as output of the SPSS 21.0 statistical software

Readings/Bibliography

Ripoli A. Statistica medica facile. Alice nel paese del p-value. Il Pensiero Scientifico Editore, 2009.

Norman G.R., Streiner D.L. Biostatistics: The Bare Essentials, 3a edizione

Ann Weaver, Stephen Goldberg. Clinical biostatistics and epidemiology made ridiculously simple. MedMaster Inc., Miami, USA, 2012

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons.

Excercises on statistical reports

Assessment methods

Discussion of statistical methods chosen for the preparation of a research protocol. The test is considered passed with a minimum score of 18/30.


The purpose of the oral test is to verify the student's ability to apply their theoretical knowledge and make the necessary logical-deductive connections. Grading of the final grade: Preparation on a very limited number of topics covered in the course and analytical skills that emerge only with the help of the teacher, expression in overall correct language → 18-19; Preparation on a limited number of topics covered in the course and ability to independently analyze only purely executive questions, expression in correct language → 20-24; Preparation on a large number of topics covered in the course, ability to make independent choices of critical analysis, mastery of specific terminology → 25-29; Substantially exhaustive preparation on the topics covered in the course, ability to make autonomous choices of critical analysis and connection, full mastery of the specific terminology and ability to argue and self-reflect → 30-30+

Office hours

See the website of Arrigo Francesco Giuseppe Cicero