Health phenomena are complex. Often there are variables that interact with the variables in our primary relationship of interest. In order to understand how these other variables influence the primary association and to be sure that the effect we find actually reflects the relationship we are interested in, we can use some statistical tools to help us. This short module offers an introductory look at how to use biostatistics to identify the nature and extent of these influences. These tools are best used in conjunction with domain expertise; therefore, it is important that you also understand the context of a particular research question or a relationship.

The learning activity in this module is a mentored activity that ties together several aspects of statistical analysis in the context of a research project. We hope that through discussions with your mentor, you can further your understanding of these tools and see them in action.

Upon completion of this module, students should be able to:

• Know the definition of a confounder and understand the concepts of adjustment and stratification, as well as the concepts of confounding and effect modification
• Identify the statistical techniques for dealing with confounding and effect modification and their strengths and limitations
• Be able to comment on the validity of study conclusions with respect to confounding and alternative explanations and appreciate that association neither means causation nor indicates the directionality of potential cause and effect
• Identify potential confounders in a relationship from a theoretical perspective and understand the consequences of using faulty reasoning and improper methods in studies
• Apply analytical statistics in the context of a research project and be able to think critically about practical application of statistical concepts

Module 6: Lesson 1: Confounding and Effect Modification

Student Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Know the definition of a confounder and understand the concepts of adjustment and stratification, as well as the concepts of confounding and effect modification.
• Identify the statistical techniques for dealing with confounding and effect modification and their strengths and limitations.

Approximate time required to complete the readings (at 144 words/minute) and assignments for this module: 3 hours.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Module 6: Lesson 2: Confounders and their Impact on Study Conclusions

Student Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Be able to comment on the validity of study conclusions with respect to confounding and alternative explanations and appreciate that association neither means causation nor indicates the directionality of potential cause and effect.
• Identify potential confounders in a relationship from a theoretical perspective and understand the consequences of using faulty reasoning and improper methods in studies.
• Apply analytical statistics in the context of a research project and be able to think critically about the practical application of statistical concepts.

Approximate time required to complete the readings (at 144 words/minute) and assignments for this module: 1 hour.

Required Learning Resources and Activities