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Do you need to know about the sorts of statistics and data that are commonly used in the NHS and healthcare studies? This course is not taught by a statistician but is designed to give a foundational knowledge about data and how to use it appropriately.

This two and a half hour session aims to take us on a journey starting from looking at the different types of data, through to being able to decide which statistical test should be used on what data has been collected.

We will start by looking at the different types of data that exist and what they are called. Then we will look at the difference between describing data and making inference from it. We will consider tools for describing the location (average) of data as well as the spread (variability) of it, and talk about how to display data. After a break we will look at making inference from sample data, including where the true value for the population might be and how to do hypothesis testing. Finally we will look at other factors that determine which statistical tests are best used in which circumstances and mention how to determine where there is causation between variables. This course will be taught using PowerPoint slides, but will be broken up with questions throughout to check understanding. We will also use the tools we look at on some data we will collect during the session to help us understand what they are showing us.

Teaching materials
There is a guide to accompany the session which will be provided to you so you do not need to bring anything with you expect a pen.

Impact
This course is new and so we are still collecting impact data. We intend to publish evaluation responses on X (Twitter) using #uhllibStats.