STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Analysis/Statistical Support

The biostatistician can work with the investigators to properly analyze their study data. By learning about the data collection process from the investigator (which is preferably done through involvement of the biostatistician during the design phase) and examining the data collected, the biostatistician can assess which method of analysis is most appropriate. This often involves a formal testing of the assumptions made for a statistical method, which may lead to an alternative strategy being employed (eg, a nonparametric method). Interpretation of study data is also part of the analysis support provided, as it is important to present the results of statistical tests in non-statistical language to enhance the understanding of the study data.