New On-Demand Class: Introduction to Statistics

Posted by liaison on January 8th, 2026 Posted in: Webinars and Courses

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The NLM National Center for Data Services (NCDS) is excited to announce a new on-demand class offering, Introduction to Statistics: Understanding the Methods Section. They worked with Dr. Marieke Jones, a biostatistics and data science educator and consultant, to develop this class, which aims to improve your ability to thoroughly read and critically appraise the methods sections of scientific literature. The class focus is on understanding when each technique is appropriate and interpreting written methods and results in scientific literature. No previous experience with statistics or coding is required or expected. Here are the learning objectives:

1. Summarize the differences between various descriptive statistics and describe when it is appropriate to use each.
2. Develop understanding of statistical inference, why we need to use a sample to learn about a population, and how we infer from a sample to a population.
3. Define a p-value, describe its drawbacks, and list some alternatives.
4. Identify scenarios where each statistical test is appropriate (t-test, ANOVA, linear regression, chi-square, logistic regression, survival analysis, Poisson regression).
5. Describe the assumptions of each statistical test (t-test, ANOVA, linear regression, chi-square, logistic regression, survival analysis, Poisson regression).
6. List common alternatives used when assumptions are not met.

You may register for free to enroll in this class and take it at your own pace. You can also explore other on-demand offerings (under “Upcoming Opportunities”) and resources on the NCDS page.