Practical Statistics for Pharmaceutical Analysis

This is an introductory statistics book designed to provide scientists with practical information needed to apply the most common statistical tests to laboratory research data. The book is designed to be practical and applicable, so only minimal information is devoted to theory or equations. Emphasis is placed on the underlying principles for effective data analysis and survey the statistical tests. It is of special value for scientists who have access to Minitab software. Examples are provides for all the statistical tests and explanation of the interpretation of these results presented with Minitab (similar to results for any common software package).

The book is specifically designed to contribute to the AAPS series on advances in the pharmaceutical sciences. It benefits professional scientists or graduate students who have not had a formal statistics class, who had bad experiences in such classes, or who just fear/don't understand statistics.            Chapter 1 focuses on terminology and essential elements of statistical testing. Statistics is often complicated by synonyms and this chapter established the terms used in the book and how rudiments interact to create statistical tests. Chapter 2 discussed descriptive statistics that are used to organize and summarize sample results. Chapter 3 discussed basic assumptions of probability, characteristics of a normal distribution, alternative approaches for non-normal distributions and introduces the topic of making inferences about a larger population based on a small sample from that population. Chapter 4 discussed hypothesis testing where computer output is interpreted and decisions are made regarding statistical significance. This chapter also deasl with the determination of appropriate sample sizes.