In the field of Forensic Toxicology, numerical data and statistics abound, appearing in quantitative analyses, quality control, measurement uncertainty, proficiency testing, method validation, experimental design, peer-reviewed journal articles, business analytics, and more. Foundational statistical knowledge is critical to understanding forensic toxicology work, assessing its significance and reliability, and communicating such to stakeholders. This is not a comprehensive statistics course for forensic toxicologists, nor is it a replacement for formal coursework in mathematics, statistics, or applied statistics. This series attempts to connect statistical terms and concepts to the specific applications of statistics in forensic toxicology in a manner accessible to professionals of all levels of experience. The data and statistical terms commonly encountered in forensic toxicology form the focus of this series.
This six-part series provides a fundamental knowledge base in statistics before advancing into more complex concepts. This series aims to address common questions that arise in forensic toxicology and to increase both the attendees’ confidence of what they know and the awareness of what they have yet to learn. Commonly encountered data types and both descriptive and inferential statistics will be defined and discussed. Practical examples from toxicology applications are presented to help contextualize the terms and concepts.
The series invites participation and questions from live attendees and begins with an overview of basic terms and definitions in Session 1. Next, Session 2 introduces distributions and ways to characterize distributions and data. Session 3 demystifies statistical tests and hypothesis testing. Session 4 digs into the use of quality controls, covering theory, usage and the various elements of control charts. Session 5 covers a specific and practical application of control data, the calculation of Type A data for the estimation of measurement uncertainty, a common source of statistical knowledge uncertainty. The series concludes with a fireside chat with subject matter experts where specific questions and challenges are addressed. Live attendance and questions are highly encouraged.
Session 1: Intro and Basics
Thursday, May 9, 2024 | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Eastern
Duration: 1 hour
This session provides an overview of the fundamental principles of statistics as encountered and applied in forensic toxicology. Various elements of statistics are often utilized or relied upon by scientists to describe produced results and to demonstrate if forensic instruments or processes are “working” or “in-control”. Here we establish the basic terminology for the principles of statistical analysis. Participants will begin to be better equipped to interpret and analyze forensic toxicology data accurately and effectively.
Detailed Learning Objectives
- Attendees will be introduced to the series origin and objective and be provided an overview of the six-part series.
- Attendees will have a platform to ask questions freely for professionals with basic to advanced knowledge of statistics.
- Attendees will be provided common terms, definitions, and usages in data analysis and statistics in forensic toxicology.
Session 2
Distributions & Standard Deviation
Thursday May 23, 2024
Session 2 introduces distributions and ways to characterize distributions and data. More details to come!
Session 3 | Statistical Tests and Hypothesis Testing
Thursday, May 30, 2024 | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Eastern
Duration: 1 hour
Session 3 demystifies statistical tests and hypothesis testing. More details to come!
Session 4 | Use of Controls and Other Control Chart Elements
Thursday, June 20, 2024 | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Eastern
Duration: 1 hour
Session 4 digs into the use of quality controls, covering theory, usage and the various elements of control charts. More details to come!
Session 5 | Calculation of Type A Data from Control Data for Measurement Uncertainty
Thursday, July 11, 2024 | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Eastern
Duration: 1 hour
Session 5 covers a specific and practical application of control data, the calculation of Type A data for the estimation of measurement uncertainty, a common source of statistical knowledge uncertainty. More details to come!
Session 6 | Let’s Talk About Stats
Thursday, July 18, 2024 | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Eastern
Duration: 1 hour
In Session 6, the series concludes with a fireside chat with subject matter experts where specific questions and challenges are addressed. More details to come!
In Session 6, the series concludes with a fireside chat with subject matter experts where specific questions and challenges are addressed. More details to come!