SYLLABUS
Course: Occupational Therapy
Title of course unit: Biostatistics
Year: 1
Semester: 2
ECTS credits: 6
CNAEF area: 462
Student workload in hours
Contact
Total
Theoretical
Lectures
Theoretical
-practical
Lectures
150
50
25
Laboratory
Classes
Supervised
Field Work
Seminars
Placements
Tutorials
Autonomous
75
Summary
The statistic is an extremely valuable instrument in any occupation since is a basis for important decisionmaking, whether in the social, economic, planning in education and technology, in health care or public
health. Thus, this curriculum unit seeks to develop and apply concepts, techniques and probabilistic and
statistical procedures, contextualised to this training area. This programme aims to not only provide an
essential theoretical training but also a training at the level of applications and of the most common
statistical techniques and to serve as a complement to a better and more correct interpretation of
phenomena, that the future occupational therapist may encounter in the exercise of their profession.
Course Contents
1. Introduction to statistics
1.1 Significance and objectives of statistic. The stages of data analysis method: problem definition,
data collection, data critical, analysis and interpretation of data and conclusions.
1.2 Classification of research planning variables: independent variable, dependent and controlled.
Scales of measurement: Nominal, Ordinal and scale.
1.3 Descriptive Statistics
1.3.1 The measures of Central tendency
Mean, Median and Mode: calculation and interpretation. Advantages and limitations of the
measures of Central tendency. Complementarity of SPSS and building a database.
1.3.2 The measures of dispersion
Range, Mean Absolute Deviation, variance and standard deviation: calculation and interpretation.
Advantages and limitations of the measures of dispersion. Complementarity of SPSS.
1.3.3 The measures of Kurtosis and Skewness
Coefficients of Skewness and Kurtosis: calculation and interpretation. Complementarity of SPSS.
1.3.4 Graphical representation of the data.
2. Linear Regression and Correlation
2.1 The simple Linear regression model. Underlying assumptions.
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2.2 Estimation of regression parameters through the method of least squares. Calculation and
interpretation of regression coefficients a and b. The Scatter Diagram. Predictions made on the
basis of the simple Linear regression model. Complementarity of SPSS.
2.3 The Linear correlation coefficient of Pearson: calculation and interpretation. Complementarity of
SPSS.
2.4 The correlation coefficient of Spearman: calculation and interpretation.
3. Confidence intervals
3.1 The concept of a confidence interval.
3.2 Confidence interval for the mean population of a variable with:
3.2.1 Variance known;
3.2.2 Variance unknown;
3.3 Confidence interval for the proportion of an attribute in the population.
4. Inferential Statistics
4.1 Contingency tables: construction and analysis. The Chi-square test based on contingency tables:
conditions of applicability, test hypotheses, calculation of Chi-square and decision rule. .
Complementarity of SPSS.
4.2 The Fisher test in 2 x 2 Contingency tables. Conditions of applicability, hypothesis testing, decision
rule. Complementarity of SPSS.
4.3 Parametric test of t-Student for independent samples. Complementarity of SPSS.
Recommended or required reading
Required:
Maroco, J. (2003). Análise Estatística – Com utilização do SPSS. Edições Sílabo: Lisboa.
Guimarães, R. C. e CABRAL, J.A. (1998). Estatística. Editora McGraw-Hill de Portugal: Lisboa.
Pestana, M.H. e GAGEIRO, J.N. (2000). Análise de Dados para Ciências Sociais – A complementaridade
do
SPSS. Edições Sílabo: Lisboa.
Recommended:
Bardin, L. (2004). Análise de conteúdo. França: Edições 70.
Clegg, F. (1995). Estatística para Todos. Editora Gradiva: Lisboa.
Cuadras, C.M. (1995). Problemas de Probabilidades y Estadística. Editora EUB: Barcelona.
Hill, M. e HILL, A. (2002). Investigação por Questionário. Edições Sílabo: Lisboa.
Murteira, B. (1995). Análise Exploratória de dados. Editora Edições Sílabo: Lisboa.
Reis, E. (1991). Estatística Descritiva. Edições Sílabo: Lisboa.
Robalo, A. (1995). Estatística – Exercícios, Vol.II. Edições Sílabo: Lisboa.
Silva, C.M. (1994). Estatística Aplicada à Psicologia e Ciência Sociais. Editora McGraw-Hill de Portugal:
Lisboa
Ribeiro, J. L. P. (1999) Investigação e Avaliação em Psicologia e Saúde, Lisboa: Climepsi Editores
Silva, C. M. (1994). Estatística Aplicada à Psicologia e Ciências Sociais. Lisboa: McGraw-Hill
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Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course unit, the student should be able to:
- Identify and describe the statistical analyses appropriate for each research objective.
- Select and use the software indicated to apply to statistical analysis.
- Analyzing and interpreting the results.
- Understand the written communication of the same.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
The teaching in the classroom will take multiple forms, including theoretical exposure requirements of
each application and statistical test mostly a practical component (troubleshooting) with the use of
electronic means in particular the SPSS program (Social Package for Social Sciences).
Assessment methods and criteria
Written partial tests or final exam.
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