Statistics is the science of learning from data. Every time researchers use a sample to understand a population, they are practising statistical inference. Over the past century, the way we make these inferences has changed dramatically. Each new approach has brought a different philosophy about what “truth” means and how we can best estimate it.…
All posts tagged biostatistics
Training Critical Thinking and Logical Thinking in the Age of AI for Biostatistics and Epidemiology
The arrival of generative AI tools like ChatGPT is changing the way we teach and practise biostatistics and epidemiology. Tasks that once took hours, like coding analyses or searching for information, can now be completed within minutes by simply asking the right questions. This development brings many opportunities, but it also brings new challenges. One…
Epidemiology and Biostatistics in the Light of Divine Unity
In the Islamic worldview, knowledge is not categorised into ‘Islamic’ and ‘secular.’ There is only one knowledge — al-‘ilm — bestowed by Allah, whether discovered through divine revelation (wahy) or human reason (‘aql). All beneficial knowledge should ultimately draw us closer to Allah, the All-Knowing. This article explores the field of epidemiology and biostatistics through…
Understanding the Central Limit Theorem and Estimating Population Mean Using Sample Data
The Central Limit Theorem (CLT) is a fundamental concept in statistics and an essential tool in biostatistics. It provides a foundation for understanding how sample data can be used to make inferences about an entire population. This article will guide students through the development and significance of the CLT, exploring the role of sample means,…
All Swans Are White
Photo by John Harrison Imagine that every swan observed in a particular region is white, leading to the belief that “all swans are white.” This conclusion appears reliable until the unexpected discovery of a black swan, which disproves this assumption. This example demonstrates a fundamental principle of hypothesis testing: science is often less about proving…