Nursing

The main general covered by the course are: 1) Data gathering, coding and entering. 2) Frequency distributions. 3) Graphs. 4) Central tendency indicators. 5) Variability indicators and association statistics. 6) Statistical tables. 7) Sample distributions. 8) Parameters and confidence intervals. 9) Basic statistical tests. The course would be approximately segmented as follows: mainly traditional lessons, devoted to data gathering, coding and entering, and to frequencies and graphs; then we will proceed to introducing the central tendency and dispersion indicators, and the main distributions; finally, discussion the basic statistical tests, having previously introduced the logic of the null-hypothesis statistical testing.

INGLESE To more adequately digest the materials provided during the course and the to take full advantage of the study of the materials the following prerequisite apply: basic notions of arithmetic (important).

Slides and materials will be available to students to focus on the main topics. Students may chose ONE among the books listed below as reference for the main topics. M.Fraire A.Rizzi 'Elementi di Statistica' NIS (La Nuova Italia scientifica) Ed. A. Bossi, I. Cortinovis, P. Duca, E. Marubini 'Introduzione alla Statistica Medica' NIS (La Nuova Italia scientifica) Ed. P.Armitage e G. Berry, 'Statistica Medica' Mc-Graw-Hill Ed. (edizione italiana a cura di Mario Bolzan) Epidemiologia clinica F.DiOrio et al. 'Elementi di metodologia epidemiologica clinica' Piccin Ed. R.H.Fletcher et al. 'Epidemiologia clinica' Luigi Pozzi Ed. S.J.Pocock 'Sperimentazioni cliniche' Centro Scientifico Torinese Dunn-Everitt 'Biostatistica clinica' Il Pensiero Scientifico Ed. A.Morabia 'L'Epidemiologia clinica' Il Pensiero Scientifico Ed.

Mandatory

The evaluation test includes items, with four possible answers. The test must be completed in 45 minutes. For each item only one of the four options is correct. The questions tap on the extent students master the topics of the course in terms of “knowledge and understanding”, and in terms of “applying knowledge and understanding”. To pass the evaluation at a least a grade-score of “sufficiency” correct answers should be in the majority. Such a score can be interpreted as reflecting a sufficient attainment of the topics covered by the course, and of the abilities acquired. If deemed convenient, the exam could also take the form of a hands-on lab assignment.

The course relies mainly on traditional lessons, and on a few hands-on sessions. The traditional lessons aim at d discussing the main issues concerning research methodology, research designs and measurement. This plan is consistent with the aims of the course in terms of knowledge and understanding to be achieved, and of applying knowledge and understanding to be mastered. The discussion of the recurrent methodological issues pertinent to most research endeavors helps to build-up the ability of making informed judgments. Discussing different ways to convey empirical results helps developing communication skills. Instantiating and discussing different approaches to data analyses and hypothesis testing helps developing general problem solving abilities and learning skills that are key when different research questions need to be investigated.