BioStats questionnaire
Section 1: Basic Concepts (Choose 5-7)
1. What is the difference between a population and a sample? Why is sampling
important in biostatistics?
2. Define and explain the difference between descriptive statistics and
inferential statistics.
3. What are the different types of data (e.g., nominal, ordinal, interval, ratio)?
Give an example of each in a biological or health-related context.
4. Explain the measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode). When is
each measure most appropriate to use?
5. What are the measures of variability (range, standard deviation, variance)?
Why is it important to understand variability in data?
6. What is a normal distribution? Why is it important in biostatistics?
7. Explain the concept of a p-value. How is it used in hypothesis testing?
8. What is a confidence interval? How is it interpreted?
9. Explain the difference between a Type I and a Type II error in hypothesis
testing.
Section 2: Hypothesis Testing (Choose 3-5)
1. A researcher wants to compare the effectiveness of two different drugs for
lowering blood pressure. Describe the steps involved in conducting a
hypothesis test to address this question. Include the null and alternative
hypotheses.
2. When would you use a t-test versus a chi-square test? Explain the type of
data each test is appropriate for.
3. What is ANOVA used for? How does it differ from a t-test?
4. Explain the concept of statistical power. What factors influence the power of
a study?
