Essentials of Statistical Analysis (EOSA)

These courses teach learners the essentials of statistical analysis via an interactive online experience.


About these Courses

Essentials of Statistical Analysis (EOSA) courses are an efficient, low-cost way to learn about or brush up on the basics of statistical analysis.

These courses are useful for students interested in social or biomedical sciences research. In addition, the courses provide students with the requisite foundational knowledge as they begin, or work through, a statistical analysis course at their own university.  The courses may also be beneficial to clinical research coordinators, basic research faculty, research team members, and Institutional Review Board (IRB) members and administrators who desire or need a foundational review of statistical analysis principles and methodologies.

EOSA courses were authored by Seth J. Schwartz, PhD, Professor of Public Health Sciences at the University of Miami. The courses were peer-reviewed by experts in the field and tested by graduate students for usability.

Language Availability: English

Suggested Audiences: Clinical Research Coordinators (CRCs), IRB Members and Administrators, Research Faculty and Team Members, Undergraduate and Graduate Students


Basic Courses

Essentials of Statistical Analysis: Complete (Parts 1, 2, and 3)

Featured

Teaches learners the essentials of statistical analysis.

statistical graphs and charts on a computer monitor
view course

Essentials of Statistical Analysis: Part 1

Featured

Provides learners with an introduction to foundational topics in statistics.

unique marble in a set indicating probability
view course

Essentials of Statistical Analysis: Part 2

Featured

Continues the exploration of statistical topics, expanding on the foundational points presented in Part 1.

tablet with plotted statistical data
view course

Essentials of Statistical Analysis: Part 3

Featured

Completes the overview of statistical topics, including advanced and often challenging analyses.

curve on x-axis and y-axis
view course


FAQs

Who are the suggested audiences?

The suggested audiences are undergraduate and graduate students who have an interest in pursuing a career in social or biomedical sciences research. In addition, clinical research coordinators, basic research faculty, research team members, and IRB members and administrators may benefit from these courses. The courses are particularly useful for students who will soon begin a classroom course in statistics.

Who is eligible to purchase the Essentials of Statistical Analysis courses?

The Essentials of Statistical Analysis courses are available to both independent learners and subscribing organizations.

Why should an organization subscribe to these courses?

An organizational subscription provides affiliated members access to the EOSA courses as determined by the organization. This allows organizations to meet the needs of learners who may benefit from a review of statistical analysis.

Why should an independent learner consider taking these courses?

The courses are designed to:

  1. Provide the student with a head start before the student takes a classroom statistical analysis course.
  2. Provide a comprehensive review of the fundamentals of research statistics theory and practice.
  3. Provide a user-friendly resource for learners needing a refresher experience in specific areas of statistical practice.

What qualifications do I need to take these courses?

All you need is a working knowledge of algebra – specifically, working with variables. These courses involve basic mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, raising a number to a power, and taking the square root of a number. Operations beyond these will be explained as part of the courses.

How do the courses work?

The courses consists of self-contained modules. Each module consists of a “teaching” portion (with examples), a knowledge check, an interactive exercise, and an end-of-module quiz. Learners go through each module at their own pace, and no instructor or moderator is needed.

Can the passing scores for EOSA courses be adjusted?

The course passing scores and individual module passing scores are set at 75 percent and cannot be adjusted.

How long will a course take me to complete?

Although completion time will vary from one learner to the next, we estimate that each module will take about 25-35 minutes to complete. The modules are designed so that learners can complete them in one sitting or in multiple sittings, and there is no time limit for course activities.

Will these courses give me the same information as a classroom-based course?

Yes. The courses were adapted from the introductory statistical analysis course that Dr. Schwartz has taught for many years. The courses actually include more material than can feasibly be included in a 13-week, in-person course – including alternatives to use if the assumptions of parametric (normal distribution based) tests are not met.

Will the courses work on mobile devices, laptop, and desktop computers?

The courses were designed to work on as many devices as possible. For the best results, we recommend using a large screen device such as a desktop, laptop, or tablet. While mobile use is possible, it may not be desired if screen space is limited.