Quick, One-Page Tutorials Promoting Statistical Literacy

• Activity Number: 96
• Type: Roundtables
• Date/Time: Monday, August 1, 2011 : 7:00 AM to 8:15 AM
• Sponsor: Section on Teaching of Statistics in the Health Sciences
• Author(s): Becki Bucher Bartelson*+ and Lynn Ackerson and Amanda Allshouse and Samantha MaWhinney
• Companies: Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center and Kaiser Permanente Division of Research and Colorado School of Public Health and Colorado School of Public Health
• Keywords: Biostatistical Literacy ; Education ; Health Sciences

Abstract

Health science researchers often seek statistical guidance outside of normal business hours or request focused supplementary reading materials on particular statistical issues. To meet these needs we have developed a series of one page handouts on a variety of commonly used statistical methods/topics such as descriptive statistics, hypothesis tests, confidence intervals, t-tests, contingency tables and regression. Tutorials were designed with an emphasis on statistical literacy versus the "how-to" approach. At this round table we will discuss tutorial goals, their development, target audience and dissemination strategies. Lastly, we will present the results of a small focus group evaluation of the tutorials by a group of toxicology fellows. We will encourage an active group discussion of these topics and thoughts regarding the role of quick tutorials in promoting statistical literacy in the health sciences. The goal of this roundtable is to engage in an exchange of ideas that will be beneficial to all present.