This week we are exploring the research area of biostatistics, where a researcher decides to analyze a specific population of interest and where the researcher defines both the population and the objective of the analysis. Researchers often select a sample of adults in a specific demographic and/or geographic area to assess the issues they have identified and is known as the field of epidemiology. The goal of epidemiology researchers is to study health and illness in human populations and disease patterns in efforts to inform the medical community about these populations. One of the biggest challenges is clearly defining the research question and study design. With your understanding from this module of biostatistical research, explain the importance of collecting a random sample from an appropriate population.
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Introduction:
Biostatistics is an essential branch of statistics that is concerned with the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data related to health and biology. As a Harvard University professor, I design and conduct lectures, evaluate student performance, and provide feedback through examinations and assignments. In this content, we explore the importance of collecting a random sample from an appropriate population in the research area of biostatistics.
Answer:
Collecting a random sample from an appropriate population is essential for successful research in biostatistics. Random sampling ensures that each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected, thus increasing the accuracy of the results. Moreover, random sampling is useful in minimizing bias, which can result from non-random sampling techniques.
Additionally, collecting a random sample from an appropriate population is crucial because it helps to achieve external validity. External validity refers to the generalizability of the results to the population of interest. Achieving external validity requires that the sample represents the target population accurately. Therefore, collecting a random sample from an appropriate population is crucial in biostatistics to ensure that the results can be applied to the population at large.
In conclusion, collecting a random sample from an appropriate population is essential in biostatistics research. It increases accuracy, minimizes bias, and helps to achieve external validity, ensuring that the results can be applied to the population of interest. Biostatisticians must, therefore, consider random sampling when designing their research studies.
