Data Analysis and Presentation Skills: An Introduction for the Life and Medical Sciences / Edition 1

by Jackie Willis

Overview

Data Analysis and Presentation Skills: An Introduction for the Life and Medical Sciences is an invaluable text allowing students to develop appropriate key skills when designing experiments, generating results, analysing data and ultimately presenting findings to academics and referees. Taking a hands-on approach, each of these key areas is introduced clearly and carefully, showing how to access and evaluate information using a variety of resources.

Basic analytical theory is gradually introduced alongside practical applications to enhance student understanding. The reader is shown how to present data in charts using Microsoft Excel and statistical analysis is carefully explained showing clearly how to manipulate data in spreadsheets and analyse the results using commonly used tests. A section is also included on the use of PowerPoint as well as giving advice on how to prepare a short talk or seminar.

• Includes numerous relevant examples and case studies drawn from the Life Sciences
• Guidance on how to complete and present practical and project work through to postgraduate dissertation.
• Clear step-by-step introduction to Microsoft Excel, presentation skills and statistical analysis.
• Invaluable for all students within the Life and Medical Sciences

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780470852736
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	09/03/2004
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	6.85(w) x 9.72(h) x 0.73(d)

About the Author

Jackie Willis, Coventry University, UK.

Table of Contents

Preface.

1. Working in theWindows Environment.

1.1 Basic computing terms.

1.2 Working inWindows.

1.3 General functions in Microsoft applications.

2. Researching and Planning Scientific Investigations.

2.1 Sources of information.

2.2 Experimental design.

3. Presenting Scientific Data.

3.1 An Introduction to Microsoft Excel.

3.2 Presenting graphs and charts.

4. Preliminary Data Analysis.

4.1 Descriptive statistics.

4.2 Frequency distributions .

4.3 Correlation and linear regression

5. Statistical Analysis.

5.1 Selecting a statistical test.

5.2 Statistical tests for two samples.

5.3 Analysis of variance.

5.4 The Chi-squared test.

6. Presentational Skills.

6.1 Preparing for seminars.

6.2 Using Microsoft PowerPoint.

6.3 Poster presentations.

Appendix.

Further Reading.

Alt key codes for special symbols in Microsoft applications.

Statistical tables.

Index.

Editorial Reviews

5 Stars! from Doody

Reviewer: Diane M Tomasic, EdD, RN (Slippery Rock University )
Description: This book introduces the reader to data analysis and presentation techniques used to disseminate research results to the scientific community. It has an associated Web site that includes links to further interned resources and further problems and examples.
Purpose: The purpose is to demonstrate the use of Microsoft Professional/Microsoft Office, Excel, and PowerPoint, an Internet browser, and e-mail client software. This allows readers the opportunity to develop the skills needed to present research findings.
Audience: The target audience is students in life and medical sciences.
Features: The book begins with an introduction to Microsoft Windows. Chapter 2 covers the research and planning of research studies. The focus is identifying sources of information and planning an experimental study. Chapters 3, 4, and 5 discuss the use of Excel in the preparation of graphs and charts and the data and analysis capabilities. Finally, chapter 6 covers the use of PowerPoint to present the data. An appendix includes further readings, Microsoft application key codes, and some statistical tables. The accompanying Web site enhances the text information.
Assessment: This book should be very useful to the target audience. It is especially useful to anyone needing to become more familiar with Microsoft applications.

Doody's Review Service

"…a primer suited for the inexperienced student or novice researcher in search of a basic foundation of data analysis within the Windows platform." (American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, Vol. 69, No. 5 (2005))

"There is no reason that anyone who wants to learn how to do statistics using Microsoft Excel would not find this book useful." (CHOICE, July 2005)

"The writing is straightforward and the explanations provided by the author clearly illustrate with liberal inclusion of examples and computer printouts the material discussed." (Journal of Hazardous Materials, June 2005)

"…an invaluable text allowing students to develop appropriate key skills…" (Journal of the American Water Resources Association, February 2005)

"…ideal for any science student who needs a primer in using Microsoft software for data analysis...teachers who support project-based learning will find this complete review invaluable." (NSTA Recommends)

"This book should be very useful…especially useful to anyone needing to become more familiar with Microsoft applications." (Doody's Book Review Service)

" … a comprehensive and useful book which covers virtually all aspects of data analysis and its presentation." (Journal of Biological Education, Spring 2006: Vol.40; 2) 

From the Publisher