Biostatistical Methods


Book Description

Praise for the First Edition ". . . an excellent textbook . . . an indispensable reference for biostatisticians and epidemiologists." —International Statistical Institute A new edition of the definitive guide to classical and modern methods of biostatistics Biostatistics consists of various quantitative techniques that are essential to the description and evaluation of relationships among biologic and medical phenomena. Biostatistical Methods: The Assessment of Relative Risks, Second Edition develops basic concepts and derives an expanded array of biostatistical methods through the application of both classical statistical tools and more modern likelihood-based theories. With its fluid and balanced presentation, the book guides readers through the important statistical methods for the assessment of absolute and relative risks in epidemiologic studies and clinical trials with categorical, count, and event-time data. Presenting a broad scope of coverage and the latest research on the topic, the author begins with categorical data analysis methods for cross-sectional, prospective, and retrospective studies of binary, polychotomous, and ordinal data. Subsequent chapters present modern model-based approaches that include unconditional and conditional logistic regression; Poisson and negative binomial models for count data; and the analysis of event-time data including the Cox proportional hazards model and its generalizations. The book now includes an introduction to mixed models with fixed and random effects as well as expanded methods for evaluation of sample size and power. Additional new topics featured in this Second Edition include: Establishing equivalence and non-inferiority Methods for the analysis of polychotomous and ordinal data, including matched data and the Kappa agreement index Multinomial logistic for polychotomous data and proportional odds models for ordinal data Negative binomial models for count data as an alternative to the Poisson model GEE models for the analysis of longitudinal repeated measures and multivariate observations Throughout the book, SAS is utilized to illustrate applications to numerous real-world examples and case studies. A related website features all the data used in examples and problem sets along with the author's SAS routines. Biostatistical Methods, Second Edition is an excellent book for biostatistics courses at the graduate level. It is also an invaluable reference for biostatisticians, applied statisticians, and epidemiologists.




Applied Logistic Regression


Book Description

A new edition of the definitive guide to logistic regression modeling for health science and other applications This thoroughly expanded Third Edition provides an easily accessible introduction to the logistic regression (LR) model and highlights the power of this model by examining the relationship between a dichotomous outcome and a set of covariables. Applied Logistic Regression, Third Edition emphasizes applications in the health sciences and handpicks topics that best suit the use of modern statistical software. The book provides readers with state-of-the-art techniques for building, interpreting, and assessing the performance of LR models. New and updated features include: A chapter on the analysis of correlated outcome data A wealth of additional material for topics ranging from Bayesian methods to assessing model fit Rich data sets from real-world studies that demonstrate each method under discussion Detailed examples and interpretation of the presented results as well as exercises throughout Applied Logistic Regression, Third Edition is a must-have guide for professionals and researchers who need to model nominal or ordinal scaled outcome variables in public health, medicine, and the social sciences as well as a wide range of other fields and disciplines.




Regression Diagnostics


Book Description

The Wiley-Interscience Paperback Series consists of selected booksthat have been made more accessible to consumers in an effort toincrease global appeal and general circulation. With these newunabridged softcover volumes, Wiley hopes to extend the lives ofthese works by making them available to future generations ofstatisticians, mathematicians, and scientists. "The title of the book more or less sums up the contents. Itappears to me to represent a real breakthrough in the art ofdealing in ‘unconventional’ data. . . . I found thewhole book both readable and enjoyable. It is suitable for dataanalysts, academic statisticians, and professional softwarewriters." –Journal of the Royal Statistical Society "The book assumes a working knowledge of all of the principalresults and techniques used in least squares multiple regression,as expressed in vector and matrix notation. Given this background,the book is clear and easy to use. . . . The techniques areillustrated in great detail with practical data sets fromeconometrics." –Short Book Reviews, International Statistical Institute Regression Diagnostics: Identifying Influential Data and Sourcesof Collinearity provides practicing statisticians andeconometricians with new tools for assessing quality andreliability of regression estimates. Diagnostic techniques aredeveloped that aid in the systematic location of data points thatare unusual or inordinately influential; measure the presence andintensity of collinear relations among the regression data; andhelp to identify variables involved in each and pinpoint estimatedcoefficients potentially most adversely affected. The bookemphasizes diagnostics and includes suggestions for remedialaction




Stochastic Dynamic Programming and the Control of Queueing Systems


Book Description

A path-breaking account of Markov decision processes-theory and computation This book's clear presentation of theory, numerous chapter-end problems, and development of a unified method for the computation of optimal policies in both discrete and continuous time make it an excellent course text for graduate students and advanced undergraduates. Its comprehensive coverage of important recent advances in stochastic dynamic programming makes it a valuable working resource for operations research professionals, management scientists, engineers, and others. Stochastic Dynamic Programming and the Control of Queueing Systems presents the theory of optimization under the finite horizon, infinite horizon discounted, and average cost criteria. It then shows how optimal rules of operation (policies) for each criterion may be numerically determined. A great wealth of examples from the application area of the control of queueing systems is presented. Nine numerical programs for the computation of optimal policies are fully explicated. The Pascal source code for the programs is available for viewing and downloading on the Wiley Web site at www.wiley.com/products/subject/mathematics. The site contains a link to the author's own Web site and is also a place where readers may discuss developments on the programs or other aspects of the material. The source files are also available via ftp at ftp://ftp.wiley.com/public/sci_tech_med/stochastic Stochastic Dynamic Programming and the Control of Queueing Systems features: * Path-breaking advances in Markov decision process techniques, brought together for the first time in book form * A theorem/proof format (proofs may be omitted without loss of continuity) * Development of a unified method for the computation of optimal rules of system operation * Numerous examples drawn mainly from the control of queueing systems * Detailed discussions of nine numerical programs * Helpful chapter-end problems * Appendices with complete treatment of background material




Latent Curve Models


Book Description

An effective technique for data analysis in the social sciences The recent explosion in longitudinal data in the social sciences highlights the need for this timely publication. Latent Curve Models: A Structural Equation Perspective provides an effective technique to analyze latent curve models (LCMs). This type of data features random intercepts and slopes that permit each case in a sample to have a different trajectory over time. Furthermore, researchers can include variables to predict the parameters governing these trajectories. The authors synthesize a vast amount of research and findings and, at the same time, provide original results. The book analyzes LCMs from the perspective of structural equation models (SEMs) with latent variables. While the authors discuss simple regression-based procedures that are useful in the early stages of LCMs, most of the presentation uses SEMs as a driving tool. This cutting-edge work includes some of the authors' recent work on the autoregressive latent trajectory model, suggests new models for method factors in multiple indicators, discusses repeated latent variable models, and establishes the identification of a variety of LCMs. This text has been thoroughly class-tested and makes extensive use of pedagogical tools to aid readers in mastering and applying LCMs quickly and easily to their own data sets. Key features include: Chapter introductions and summaries that provide a quick overview of highlights Empirical examples provided throughout that allow readers to test their newly found knowledge and discover practical applications Conclusions at the end of each chapter that stress the essential points that readers need to understand for advancement to more sophisticated topics Extensive footnoting that points the way to the primary literature for more information on particular topics With its emphasis on modeling and the use of numerous examples, this is an excellent book for graduate courses in latent trajectory models as well as a supplemental text for courses in structural modeling. This book is an excellent aid and reference for researchers in quantitative social and behavioral sciences who need to analyze longitudinal data.




Combinatorial Methods in Discrete Distributions


Book Description

A unique approach illustrating discrete distribution theory through combinatorial methods This book provides a unique approach by presenting combinatorial methods in tandem with discrete distribution theory. This method, particular to discreteness, allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of theory by using applications to solve problems. The author makes extensive use of the reduction approach to conditional distributions of independent random occupancy numbers, and provides excellent studies of occupancy and sequential occupancy distributions, convolutions of truncated discrete distributions, and compound and mixture distributions. Combinatorial Methods in Discrete Distributions begins with a brief presentation of set theory followed by basic counting principles. Fundamental principles of combinatorics, finite differences, and discrete probability are included to give readers the necessary foundation to the topics presented in the text. A thorough examination of the field is provided and features: Stirling numbers and generalized factorial coefficients Occupancy and sequential occupancy distributions n-fold convolutions of truncated distributions Compound and mixture distributions Thoroughly worked examples aid readers in understanding complex theory and discovering how theory can be applied to solve practical problems. An appendix with hints and answers to the exercises helps readers work through the more complex sections. Reference notes are provided at the end of each chapter, and an extensive bibliography offers readers a resource for additional information on specialized topics.




Applied Linear Regression


Book Description

Master linear regression techniques with a new edition of a classic text Reviews of the Second Edition: "I found it enjoyable reading and so full of interesting material that even the well-informed reader will probably find something new . . . a necessity for all of those who do linear regression." —Technometrics, February 1987 "Overall, I feel that the book is a valuable addition to the now considerable list of texts on applied linear regression. It should be a strong contender as the leading text for a first serious course in regression analysis." —American Scientist, May–June 1987 Applied Linear Regression, Third Edition has been thoroughly updated to help students master the theory and applications of linear regression modeling. Focusing on model building, assessing fit and reliability, and drawing conclusions, the text demonstrates how to develop estimation, confidence, and testing procedures primarily through the use of least squares regression. To facilitate quick learning, the Third Edition stresses the use of graphical methods in an effort to find appropriate models and to better understand them. In that spirit, most analyses and homework problems use graphs for the discovery of structure as well as for the summarization of results. The Third Edition incorporates new material reflecting the latest advances, including: Use of smoothers to summarize a scatterplot Box-Cox and graphical methods for selecting transformations Use of the delta method for inference about complex combinations of parameters Computationally intensive methods and simulation, including the bootstrap method Expanded chapters on nonlinear and logistic regression Completely revised chapters on multiple regression, diagnostics, and generalizations of regression Readers will also find helpful pedagogical tools and learning aids, including: More than 100 exercises, most based on interesting real-world data Web primers demonstrating how to use standard statistical packages, including R, S-Plus®, SPSS®, SAS®, and JMP®, to work all the examples and exercises in the text A free online library for R and S-Plus that makes the methods discussed in the book easy to use With its focus on graphical methods and analysis, coupled with many practical examples and exercises, this is an excellent textbook for upper-level undergraduates and graduate students, who will quickly learn how to use linear regression analysis techniques to solve and gain insight into real-life problems.




Preparing for the Worst


Book Description

A timely approach to downside risk and its role in stock market investments When dealing with the topic of risk analysis, most books on investments treat downside and upside risk equally. Preparing for the Worst takes an entirely novel approach by focusing on downside risk and explaining how to incorporate it into investment decisions. Highlighting this asymmetry of the stock market, the authors describe how existing theories miss the downside and follow with explanations of how it can be included. Various techniques for calculating downside risk are demonstrated. This book presents the latest ideas in the field from the ground up, making the discussion accessible to mathematicians and statisticians interested in applications in finance, as well as to finance professionals who may not have a mathematical background. An invaluable resource for anyone wishing to explore the critical issues of finance, portfolio management, and securities pricing, this book: Incorporates Value at Risk into the theoretical discussion Uses many examples to illustrate downside risk in U.S., international, and emerging market investments Addresses downside risk arising from fraud and corruption Includes step-by-step instructions on how to implement the methods introduced in this book Offers advice on how to avoid pitfalls in calculations and computer programming Provides software use information and tips




Generalized Inference in Repeated Measures


Book Description

A complete guide to powerful and practical statistical modeling using MANOVA Numerous statistical applications are time dependent. Virtually all biomedical, pharmaceutical, and industrial experiments demand repeated measurements over time. The same holds true for market research and analysis. Yet conventional methods, such as the Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance (Rm ANOVA), do not always yield exact solutions, obliging practitioners to settle for asymptotic results and approximate solutions. Generalized inference in Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA), mixed models, and growth curves offer exact methods of data analysis under milder conditions without deviating from the conventional philosophy of statistical inference. Generalized Inference in Repeated Measures is a concise, self-contained guide to the use of these innovative solutions, presenting them as extensions of–rather than alternatives to–classical methods of statistical evaluation. Requiring minimal prior knowledge of statistical concepts in the evaluation of linear models, the book provides exact parametric methods for each application considered, with solutions presented in terms of generalized p-values. Coverage includes: New concepts in statistical inference, with special focus on generalized p-values and generalized confidence intervals One-way and two-way ANOVA, in cases of equal and unequal variances Basic and higher-way mixed models, including testing and estimation of fixed effects and variance components Multivariate populations, including basic inference, comparison, and analysis of variance Basic, widely used repeated measures models including crossover designs and growth curves With a comprehensive set of formulas, illustrative examples, and exercises in each chapter, Generalized Inference in Repeated Measures is ideal as both a comprehensive reference for research professionals and a text for students.




Applied Regression Including Computing and Graphics


Book Description

A step-by-step guide to computing and graphics in regression analysis In this unique book, leading statisticians Dennis Cook and Sanford Weisberg expertly blend regression fundamentals and cutting-edge graphical techniques. They combine and up- date most of the material from their widely used earlier work, An Introduction to Regression Graphics, and Weisberg's Applied Linear Regression; incorporate the latest in statistical graphics, computing, and regression models; and wind up with a modern, fully integrated approach to one of the most important tools of data analysis. In 23 concise, easy-to-digest chapters, the authors present:? A wealth of simple 2D and 3D graphical techniques, helping visualize results through graphs * An improved version of the user-friendly Arc software, which lets readers promptly implement new ideas * Complete coverage of regression models, including logistic regression and generalized linear models * More than 300 figures, easily reproducible on the computer * Numerous examples and problems based on real data * A companion Web site featuring free software and advice, available at www.wiley.com/mathem atics Accessible, self-contained, and fully referenced, Applied Regression Including Computing and Graphics assumes only a first course in basic statistical methods and provides a bona fide user manual for the Arc software. It is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in learning how to analyze regression problems with confidence and depth.