title: Data analysis in craniofacial biology with special emphasis on longitudinal studies.
abstract: Recommendations are made for strengthening data description and analysis in craniofacial biology. Special emphasis is placed on longitudinal data, and PC programs for accomplishing appropriate analyses in this context are described and made available to interested readers. Some more general recommendations are treated in less detail. These include the effective description of data using stem-and-leaf displays and/or boxplots, the use of decision-analytic methods in the management of patients with dentofacial deformities, and the valid application of certain statistical methods in single-subject studies. Finally, it is conjectured that computer-intensive methods such as randomization tests and jackknifing will play an increasingly prominent role in craniofacial research.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109.
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Kowalski
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002971:Cleft Lip / Q000503:physiopathology; D002972:Cleft Palate / Q000503:physiopathology; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D006801:Humans; D007598:Journalism, Dental; D016018:Least-Squares Analysis; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008445:Maxillofacial Development; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D011897:Random Allocation; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012984:Software