Peer Review

An Intuitive, Interactive, Introduction to Biostatistics

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Reviewed:: Dec 5, 2023 by Health Sciences

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:

Welcome! This resource offers an interactive learning experience for introductory biostatistics. This resource was designed with the course BIOS:4120 Introduction to Biostatistics at the University of Iowa in mind, but could be used in any introductory statistics or biostatistics course. We combine textual explanations and embedded interactive Shiny applications, to provide students with an engaging learning resource that offers an intuitive illustration of core statistical concepts. The applications and associated exercises are targeted at conceptional understanding, as opposed to calculations. At this point in time, we provide chapters on: Introduction to biostatistics Data and data summaries Study design and bias Randomness, probability, and simulation Probability distributions Sampling distributions and Central Limit Theorem Confidence intervals and hypothesis testing

Type of Material:

Open (Access) Textbook

Recommended Uses:

This resource can be used for:

* In-class learning/review

* Homework (reading and completion of exercises)

* Individual studying or tutoring

* Self-paced

* Adjunct resource for other biostatistical courses

Technical Requirements:

Internet Access
Web Browser

Identify Major Learning Goals:

This is an interactive course that includes an introduction to statistics, types of data, visualization of data, study designs, probability, and evidence-based research.

The goal of this course is for the learner to understand the use of data and statistical methods in the construction of research. The course will help the learner to use the applications to develop the concepts in research.

After completion of the resource, active learners will

Describe types of data.
Identify various ways to visualize data.
Explain study designs.
Explain probability.
Explain evidence-based research.

Target Student Population:

College Lower Division
College Upper Division
Graduate School
Professional

Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

Basic computer skills
High school or College math

Content Quality

Rating:

Strengths:

The information is valid and the resource covers the basics for an introductory biostatistics course
Chapters are broken down in such a way as not to overwhelm a student.
The content is appropriate for learners at beginning to novice level statistics
The textbook format is appropriate and included engaging activities, such as applets in which the learner completes guided tasks to reinforce the information
Definitions are included for each chapter
Nicely organized presentation with concepts increasing complexity during progression.
Very applicable to practice, and a good resource for the development of research studies.
The material covers the basics of a topic that can be challenging for some students to understand.
It is easy to read, flows nicely and has colorful diagrams to enhance learning

Concerns:

There is a lack of source citations and references. Source citations and references are scholarly requirements to give credit where credit is due. There is an acknowledgement note at the beginning of the book about the notes used for the book. However, there are not sources cited in the book text and no references.
While the resource focuses on conceptual understanding, more sample questions outlining how to apply the knowledge to calculations would enhance the resource.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:

Strengths:

Includes learning objectives at the start of each chapter
Terms are defined at the start of each chapter
Content is in a format that is easy to navigate and helps students understand the concepts. The graphs are clear and stand out, and the interactive elements engage the reader to think critically and apply statistical knowledge
The interactive activities in each chapter are outstanding and help reinforce and clarify the concepts for learners
Material builds on previous chapter content

Concerns:

Verbs used in the learning objectives are not consistent with Blooms taxonomy, such as the verb "Understand"

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:

Strengths:

The chapter instructions are clear.
The links are in working order
The navigation of the textbook is logical and consistent throughout with a main menu at the left for easy navigation
Consistent chapter and section headings are used
The book is interactive and visually appealing with colorful diagrams/definitions. There are interactive exercises, for example Exercise 4.1 has a roll the dice game. Exercise 6.2 gives several exercises for students to change CLT inputs which then formulate graphs based on inputs.
The program is easy to use and progresses in difficulty throughout. The tools embedded for use are easy to use and step-by-step directions for the use of formulas are provided.

Other Issues and Comments:

Thank you for putting this together in an open-access format. It would be helpful as supplemental education for students who are having difficulty understanding statistical concepts in research.

Creative Commons: