Discussion 5 | Biostatisticians’ Role in Study Design | Part 1 Problem Statement

Open the Signature Assignment Dataset (opens in a new window) [Original Media], and select a health outcome or dependent variable. Then choose one or more factors or independent variable(s) that you find may contribute to, or cause your health outcome. After reviewing and selecting your dependent and independent variable(s) from the dataset, research your health outcome, and write a problem statement based on current health research data and trends. You can search for current research on your selected study variables using PubMed Central (opens in a new window) and Wiley Online Library (opens in a new window) resources by searching. After you have developed your problem statement, write out your research question and an alternative and null hypothesis statement to support your research problem.

Using the writing option in the discussion post, address the following:

1. What is your proposed research problem?
2. Define your proposed research question.
3. Examine the variables from the Signature Assignment Dataset (opens in a new window) [Original Media] and choose a study outcome variable to design a research study.
   1. List all relevant variables that could potentially influence your research question. These might include independent variables (e.g., treatments, exposures) and dependent variables (potential outcomes).
4. Select a statistical analysis method suitable for the research and data.
5. Write alternative and null hypothesis statements to support your research problem, question, and selected statistical analysis method.
   1. Use the 6 Important Steps to Conducting a Statistical Hypothesis Test (opens in a new window) [Original Media] to help write your hypothesis. 
6. Select an appropriate research design and methodology based on your research question and objectives. Consider factors such as:
   1. Experimental: Manipulating independent variables to observe their effect on dependent variables.
   2. Observational: Observing and measuring variables without intervention.
   3. Correlational: Examining relationships between variables.
   4. Cross-sectional study: Examines a group of people at a single time to measure the prevalence of a particular characteristic or outcome.
   5. Case study: In-depth analysis of a single case or group.

Requirements

• Initial posts: 300 words
• APA, scholarly support, 1-2 peer-reviewed articles