Data Analysis Flashcards

In a clinical laboratory study, a Levey-Jennings chart is used primarily to:

Answer: Monitor quality control over time

Levey-Jennings charts plot QC results over time to detect trends, shifts, and random errors in analytical processes.

Which statistical test is most appropriate for comparing the means of three or more independent groups?

Answer: One-way ANOVA

One-way ANOVA compares means across three or more independent groups simultaneously, controlling the type I error rate.

A dataset has a mean of 50 and a standard deviation of 5. What is the coefficient of variation (CV)?

Answer: 10%

CV = (SD/mean) × 100 = (5/50) × 100 = 10%, expressing variability relative to the mean.

When a regression line has a slope of zero, this indicates:

Answer: No linear relationship between variables

A slope of zero means changes in the independent variable are not associated with changes in the dependent variable.

In Bland-Altman analysis, the limits of agreement are calculated as:

Answer: Mean difference ± 1.96 SD

Limits of agreement are the mean difference ± 1.96 SD, capturing approximately 95% of differences between two methods.

Which term describes data that clusters around the middle with few extreme values, resulting in a bell-shaped distribution?

Answer: Normal distribution

A normal (Gaussian) distribution is symmetric and bell-shaped, with most values clustering around the mean.

In the STP context, what does 'analytical specificity' refer to?

Answer: The ability of an assay to measure only the intended analyte

Analytical specificity is the ability of an assay to measure only the target analyte without interference from other substances.