title: Basic biostatistics for post-graduate students.
abstract: Statistical methods are important to draw valid conclusions from the obtained data. This article provides background information related to fundamental methods and techniques in biostatistics for the use of postgraduate students. Main focus is given to types of data, measurement of central variations and basic tests, which are useful for analysis of different types of observations. Few parameters like normal distribution, calculation of sample size, level of significance, null hypothesis, indices of variability, and different test are explained in detail by giving suitable examples. Using these guidelines, we are confident enough that postgraduate students will be able to classify distribution of data along with application of proper test. Information is also given regarding various free software programs and websites useful for calculations of statistics. Thus, postgraduate students will be benefitted in both ways whether they opt for academics or for industry.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, Indira Gandhi Govt. Medical College, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Ganesh N
authors.initials: GN
authors.lastname: Dakhale
authors.forename: Sachin K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Hiware
authors.forename: Abhijit T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Shinde
authors.forename: Mohini S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Mahatme
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D056808:Biostatistics / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D016011:Normal Distribution; D013334:Students
keywords: Biometry; level of significance; parametric test; power of study; sample size