ABSTRACT
In this chapter we review study designs and statistical techniques commonly used in psychiatry, focusing on the requirements of the MRCPsych examination. For reasons of space, we have not included details of all tests and definitions, but where appropriate we have given one or two key references. General texts that would be very useful to consult are: Bland (2000),1 for a comprehensive guide to methods; Petrie and Sabin,2 an excellent handbook covering all the standard statistical tests, including examples; and Everitt,3 for concise definitions. Some useful articles can be found in the journals Bandolier and BMJ Teaching.
