Statistics question: is it possible to test sets of cumulative data for significant differences in rate? [more inside]
posted by rollick on Nov 4, 2009 - 9 answers

StatisticAnalysisFilter: I took (pretty close to) scientific observations of the general populace in a neighborhood for a few months (personal project, long story). I measured the number of people who had trait X (or did not have trait X) in two locations, A and B. Now, I want to test the statistical significance of these results. Is the chi-square test sufficient for this? Or is there a better option? [more inside]
posted by MoreForMad on Oct 11, 2009 - 7 answers

How to translate the scientific/statistical English words "accuracy" and "precision" into scientific/statistical Russian? [more inside]
posted by ZenMasterThis on Aug 14, 2009 - 4 answers

What are some simple experiments that help explain complicated phenomena? [more inside]
posted by Christ, what an asshole on Jul 6, 2009 - 15 answers

"The DNA of humans and chimps is 98.4% identical." I've read that several places. I've also read "The DNA of all living things is 90% identical" and "The DNA of humans and lettuce is 16% identical." How could I find out which of those last two statements is correct? Or is the problem that I don't understand which part of the DNA is being referred to? (Frankly, I'm not that clear on DNA in the first place - I'd just like the right number.)
posted by kestralwing on Dec 31, 2008 - 14 answers

Tools for a scientific publisher to provide usage statistics for its subscribers? Is this a good idea? [more inside]
posted by chillmost on Sep 5, 2008 - 3 answers

Can you recommend a statistics book which is appropriate for the stats required for basic bioscience / clinical research? [more inside]
posted by inbetweener on Jul 19, 2008 - 7 answers

StatsFilter: I want to compare quantitatively the results of subjecting two different groups of people, A and B, to two different "programs". Which statistical test do I use to see which "program" had a greater effect? [more inside]
posted by R_Nebblesworth on May 7, 2008 - 5 answers

StatsFilter: Evidence challenging/contradicting conventional controlled/placebo trials? [more inside]
posted by pallen123 on Jul 25, 2006 - 10 answers

A statistics / scientific convention question. I've noticed in scientific journals that often when a set of data is presented with values normalized to one of the sample groups, and the value for that sample group is arbitrarily set to 1, 10, 100 or whatever, to simplify interpretation, the variability/error data for that one sample group is left out. Is there a good statistical reason for that or is it just some random convention with no good reason? [more inside]
posted by shoos on Jan 24, 2006 - 17 answers

In science, what is the difference between a theory and a law? Why is something called a law rather than a theory?
posted by furiousxgeorge on Jan 15, 2005 - 18 answers