ABSTRACT
Chapter 6 is an introduction to statistical inference and discusses the basic problem of statistics: We are interested in making an inference about a population based on limited sample data. This chapter covers topics such as point and interval estimation for population means and proportions using a sample from the population. Sampling from a population and randomized controlled trials are discussed briefly, along with key concepts in randomization; simple random sample; and single-blind, double-blind, triple-blind, and un-blinded research designs. The reader is introduced to the concept of unbiased estimators and the central limit theorem as the distribution of sample means are discussed. The reader will also find instructions on how to use statistical software to calculate point estimates and confidence intervals for means and proportions. The student’s t-distribution is introduced, as well as the process for determining p-values and critical values for the t-distribution using statistical tables (Appendix Table A.4) and statistical software. Estimation for the Poisson distribution is briefly introduced but not covered in detail.
