ABSTRACT
This chapter and the following two chapters are not intended to be a concise textbook of statistical theory. We assume that the reader has a sound grounding in basic statistical theory and we therefore concentrate on relating this knowledge to the particular requirements of the field of application described in Chapter 1. This will lead us to introduce aspects of statistical methodology not usually presented in standard texts and courses but essential for attaining confidence in medical statistical consultation. The emphasis will be on encouraging an open-minded approach to the formulation of models, on providing a succinct account of general methods which will withstand the attack of non-standard problems and on directing further, more-detailed study of particular areas. The more flexible and adaptable to new situations a statistician can become and remain the more successful and satisfying the consulting experience is likely to be.
