Health Science Statistics using R and R Commander

Health Science Statistics using R and R Commander has been written for students, researchers and professionals who need a practical guide to the subject.

R is an open source statistical package that is finding favour in a wide variety of statistics applications. Initially R was the preserve of trained statisticians. However, it is increasingly being used with non-specialist audiences, at both postgraduate and senior undergraduate levels.

The book focuses on the graphical user interface, R Commander, which helps make R more user-friendly for the uninitiated. However, throughout the book, the R code behind R Commander is provided to allow the reader to program directly if required. The book provides both the practical skills and essential knowledge to enable the reader to perform their own statistical analyses in R and to interpret the results appropriately.

The book starts with introductory chapters which demonstrate how to install and run R and R Commander effortlessly. It then builds from introductory statistics chapters (calculating correlations and t tests) through to more complex areas (structural equation modelling, log linear regression etc.).

Each chapter begins with a thorough introduction to the statistical technique under discussion. Then, working through real-life data, the reader is shown how to do their own analysis using R Commander, followed by a demonstration of how to do this analysis in R directly. The later chapters also show how to write up findings in the correct format. For specific analyses other free applications are introduced to supplement R (OpenEpi, Gpower and ?nyx). Throughout, the reader is given essential tips and advice to help get to grips with carrying out the analysis and intelligently reflecting on the output.

Health Science Statistics using R and R Commander is accompanied by an array of web-based material including:
•additional online chapters
•discussion board
•R code for each chapter
•multiple choice questions
•links to other resources including websites, blogs and tutorials

Health Science Statistics using R and R Commander is a comprehensive introduction to statistics in the health sciences combined with a hands-on practical guide to R (and related free software).