Central tendency and variability in biological systems

Abstract

In this article, the author reviews the manner in which researchers characterize data. Normality, standard deviation, mean, and other concepts related to parametric statistics are discussed in common language, with a minimum of jargon and with clinical examples.

Characterisation of cellular adhesion reinforcement by multiple bond force spectroscopy in alveolar epithelial cells

“…) and W adh but intrinsic variability of the molecular bond systems could also contribute. Interestingly, the closeness between median values and mean values (Figures A and B) suggests that values of and W adh are close to a normal or Gaussian distribution which remains consistent with the assumption that data dispersion arises from intercellular biological variability (Cardinal, ). The characteristic distance scale δ has been estimated cell by cell from the ratio (see Table ).…”

Rapid assessment of health literacy on admission to the hospital

“…There is a perspective piece on why bow ties for clinicians really make sense ( 27 ). And finally, there is a companion piece ( 28 ) to our inaugural issue in our series on research theory ( 29 ).…”

Determining true difference between treatment groups

“…This article is a continuation of the series on basic concepts in research and contains terminology defined and discussed in prior articles ( 1 , 2 ). The focus of this article is the P value and how it is used to differentiate groups, most commonly treatment groups.…”