GZW3024
Advanced statistics and research methods
Maastricht University
1
, Lecture 0 (05-02): Introduction to the course
Overview of statistical techniques:
→ Independent variable:
the variable that the
predictions are based on.
The cause(s).
→ Dependent variable:
variable where
researchers make a
prediction about. The
outcome.
Lecture 0 (05-02): Introduction to Theme 1A
Case 1A = Corporate fitness: a weapon to combat overweight?
- A company asks you, health scientists, to find out what the effect of a corporate
fitness program might be on overweight and diabetes.
- Aim: what is the influence of sports physical activity on overweight/obesity and
diabetes in a working population?
- Resources: real longitudinal data collected in a long-term prospective cohort
study among workers.
Lecture 1 (05-02): Measures of disease frequency & observational study design
Measures of disease frequency
Epidemiology is quantifying the existence of a disease, the frequency.
- Etiology: searching for causes.
- Diagnosis: determining the numbers in the population, predictive factors.
o With diagnosis there are already symptoms, with screening there are no
symptoms (yet). Wit screening, you can detect diseases faster and start
the treatment earlier.
- Prognosis: disease course.
o You can influence this by means of an intervention.
2
Advanced statistics and research methods
Maastricht University
1
, Lecture 0 (05-02): Introduction to the course
Overview of statistical techniques:
→ Independent variable:
the variable that the
predictions are based on.
The cause(s).
→ Dependent variable:
variable where
researchers make a
prediction about. The
outcome.
Lecture 0 (05-02): Introduction to Theme 1A
Case 1A = Corporate fitness: a weapon to combat overweight?
- A company asks you, health scientists, to find out what the effect of a corporate
fitness program might be on overweight and diabetes.
- Aim: what is the influence of sports physical activity on overweight/obesity and
diabetes in a working population?
- Resources: real longitudinal data collected in a long-term prospective cohort
study among workers.
Lecture 1 (05-02): Measures of disease frequency & observational study design
Measures of disease frequency
Epidemiology is quantifying the existence of a disease, the frequency.
- Etiology: searching for causes.
- Diagnosis: determining the numbers in the population, predictive factors.
o With diagnosis there are already symptoms, with screening there are no
symptoms (yet). Wit screening, you can detect diseases faster and start
the treatment earlier.
- Prognosis: disease course.
o You can influence this by means of an intervention.
2
