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BST 612 – Final Exam Instructions

· You must turn in your exam along with the coversheet via Canvas.  You may upload the coversheet as a separate document or as the first page of your exam.

· DO NOT include the printed exam questions.  The final should read like the methods/results section of a manuscript.

· DO NOT turn in any output, all tables and figures must be journal quality (edit them, correct labels, reduce decimal places, etc., if needed).

· Use the Practice Examples, Homework Assignments and Graded Feedback to guide your write-up.

· The UAB Academic Integrity Code applies to this exam, please do your own work.  You may use notes and books from this course.  You may NOT use or access previous exams or grade sheets from prior years of BST 612.  You may NOT consult family, friends, other students, or professors – from any school or program.

Introduction to Final Exam Problem

The data are from a clinical trial comparing two drugs to treat lung function associated with chronic asthma.  The severity of asthma is measured by a lung function test, where lower scores are better.  These subjects were followed for 60 weeks at which time a lung function test is performed.  If a subject drops below 3, they are considered to be in remission at that time (sustained remission is a separate question).

Using the “Lung_Function_Final” data file, the variables of interest are:

· GROUP=Subjects were randomized into one of two treatment groups

o 0 = Drug A

o 1 = Drug B

· WEEK 0, WEEK 60=Lung function test score for week 0 (i.e., baseline) and the monitoring visit at week 60.  In this dataset, values range from 0 to 10 with lower scores indicative of better lung functioning.

· DIFF_WEEK_60=The difference variable between baseline and week 60.  It is calculated by Week 60 minus Week 0.  Negative values indicate a decrease over time while positive values indicate an increase over time.  Valid values range from -7.0 to 3.0.

· STATUS=Subject’s status based on lung function at Week 60

o 0=Active = Minimum Lung Function Score ≥ 3.0

o 1=Remission = Minimum Lung Function Score < 3.0

· AGE=Subject’s age in years (ranging from 7 to 24 years old)

· SEX=Subject’s sex

o 0=Female

o 1=Male

For the final exam, please provide the following two sections:

1. DESCRIBE YOUR SAMPLE: (Approximately 1 page)

1.1: A written summary that describes the sample in terms of the seven variables for the total sample and by treatment (i.e., Drug Groups).  In the written summary, please include: 1) an introductory statement; 2) data entry issues (if located, remove value—not subject--from dataset); 3) sample size and missing data; 4) statistical software used and alpha level used, 5) for the total sample: a) the selection of statistical analyses and rationale and b) interpretation of the statistical results with the appropriate numeric support provided (see Practice Examples), and 6) for by treatment:  a) the selection of statistical analyses and rationale, b) the testing and results of assumptions, and c) interpretation of the statistic results with the appropriate numeric support provided (see Practice Examples).

1.2: A tabular summary that includes all seven variables for the total sample and by treatment (i.e., Drug Groups).  In the table, please include:  1) table title with sample size, variable labels, and numerical labels on the table; 2) the Drug Group’s sample sizes; 3) six columns (Variable, Drug A, Drug B, p-Value, 95% CI on Mean Difference, and Total) (see Practice Examples).

1.3: Provide a written statement that addresses whether the randomization of the groups was successful or not and why you drew that conclusion.

2. YOUR RESEARCH QUESTION: (Approximately 1 page)

Is there a treatment effect (i.e., Drug Groups) in lung function test scores between Baseline to Week 60 (i.e., Diff_Week_60), controlling for age, and sex?

2.1:  A written summary that addresses the research question. Please include 1) an introductory statement; 2) selection of statistical analyses and rationale for selecting the multivariate test; 3) assumption testing and results; 4) interpretation of the statistical results with the appropriate numeric support provided; and 5) a concluding paragraph that addresses both the research question and the practical meaning of your findings.  Please see the Practice Example Write-Up for the statistical test that you have selected to ensure you have included all necessary statistics.

2.2: A tabular summary that includes the full final model of the regression analysis.  In the table, please include:  1) table title with sample size, variable labels, and numerical labels on the table; and 2) the required statistic support for the table, including the type of information for your columns and required notes at the bottom of the table.  Please see the Practice Example Write-Up for the statistical test that you have selected to ensure you have included all necessary statistics.

NOTE FOR ALL STATISTICAL ANALYSES:  If test assumptions or model diagnostics are violated, state in your write-up the violation and that you “are proceeding as though these assumptions/diagnostics have been met”.

Total Page Limit: 2 to 3 pages which includes the 2 required tables.  If you do not have around 2 pages, your answers are probably not thorough enough.