Types of data for a study's endpoint are explained—nominal, ordinal, or continuous—and how each determines the appropriate statistical test in clinical research.

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In this lecture on This Is Why, Dr. Busti walks through one of the most critical steps in biostatistics: correctly identifying the type of data based on the study question.

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This is where many learners make mistakes—especially when distinguishing between ordinal vs continuous data, recognizing skewed data, or understanding when to use parametric vs non-parametric analysis.

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This lecture connects directly to prior topics on study groups and variability, bringing you closer to confidently choosing the correct statistical test.

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Topics Covered:

- Nominal, ordinal, and continuous data explained

- How the study question determines data type

- Parametric vs non-parametric data concepts

- Normal distribution vs skewed data

- Relationship between mean, median, and mode

- When continuous data should not be treated as parametric

- Impact of outliers on data interpretation

- Interpreting data for correct statistical test selection

- How endpoints can change data classification (e.g., yes/no vs average)

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The goal = make medical education easy and clinically relevant.

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Chapter Table of Contents
00:00 - Introduction
00:48 - Study Overview
02:27 - Scales of Measure
04:51 - Types of Data Variables
08:30 - Standard Statistical Tests
09:54 - Parametric Data
17:46 - Nonparametric Data
24:19 - The Importance of the Hypothesis
25:28 - Conclusion

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#typesofdata #nominalordinalcontinuous #biostatistics #clinicalresearch #Dr Busti

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Speaker:

Anthony Busti, MD, PharmD, MSc, FAHA, FNLA, is a licensed healthcare professional and medical educator with over 30 years of experience in clinical practice and academic teaching. He has trained and practiced as a nurse, pharmacist, and physician, bringing a uniquely comprehensive perspective to patient care and medical education.

Dr. Busti is dedicated to advancing evidence-based medicine and helping clinicians understand the underlying “why” behind clinical decisions to improve patient outcomes.

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About This Channel:

This content is created by Anthony Busti, MD, PharmD, MSc, FAHA, FNLA, a board-certified physician with training at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and University of Oxford and a medical educator for healthcare professionals and students. All material is based on current medical literature and evidence-based guidelines that align with principles of evidence-based medicine (EBM) and Evidence-Based Healthcare (EBHC).

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Disclaimer:

This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not replace individualized evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions about a medical condition and never delay care because of educational content.