| regression analysis | Procedures for finding the mathematical function which best describes the relationship between a dependent variable and one or more independent variables. In linear regression (see linear models) the relationship is constrained to be a straight line and least-squares analysis is used to determine the best fit. In logistic regression (see logistic models) the dependent variable is qualitative rather than continuously variable and likelihood functions are used to find the best relationship. In multiple regression the dependent variable is considered to depend on more than a single independent variable. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| path analysis | A mode of analysis involving assumptions about the direction of causal relationships among linked sequences and configurations of variables. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pedigree analysis | The formal study of the pattern of a trait in a pedigree to determine such properties as its mode of inheritance, age of onset, and variability in phenotype. (05 Mar 2000) |
| volumetric analysis | Quantitative analysis by the addition of graduated amounts of a standard test solution to a solution of a known amount of the substance analyzed, until the reaction is just at an end; depends upon the stoichiometric nature of the reaction between the test solution and the unknown. (05 Mar 2000) |
| cephalometric analysis | A study of the skeletal and dental relationships used in orthodontic case analysis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| percept analysis | Psychologic survey of an individual's personality using Rorschach's series of inkblots. (05 Mar 2000) |
| character analysis | Analysis of the defenses and personality traits that characterise an individual. (05 Mar 2000) |
| meta-analysis | <statistics> A quantitative method of combining the results of independent studies (usually drawn from the published literature) and synthesizing summaries and conclusions which may be used to evaluate therapeutic effectiveness or to plan new studies. With application chiefly in the areas of research and medicine. It is often an overview of clinical trials. It is usually called a meta-analysis by the author or sponsoring body and should be differentiated from reviews of the literature. (27 Jun 1999) |
| cluster analysis | A set of statistical methods used to group variables or observations into strongly inter-related subgroups. In epidemiology, it may be used to analyze a closely grouped series of events or cases of disease or other health-related phenomenon with well-defined distribution patterns in relation to time or place or both. (12 Dec 1998) |
| Western blot analysis | A procedure in which proteins separated by electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels are transferred (blotted) onto nitrocellulose or nylon membranes and identified by specific complexing with antibodies that are either pre-or post-tagged with a labelled secondary protein. See: immunoblot. Synonym: Western blot, Western blotting. Origin: coined to distinguish it from eponymic Southern blot a. (05 Mar 2000) |
| combustion analysis | <technique> A method for determining the chemical composition of a compound by burning the compound under controlled conditions. Often used to determine the relative amounts of carbon and hydrogen in a compound. (09 Oct 1997) |
| multivariate analysis | A set of techniques used when variation in several variables has to be studied simultaneously. In statistics, multivariate analysis is interpreted as any analytic method that allows simultaneous study of two or more dependent variables. (12 Dec 1998) |
| content analysis | Any of a variety of techniques for classification and study of the verbal products of normal or of psychologically disabled individuals. (05 Mar 2000) |
| cost-benefit analysis | A method of comparing the cost of a program with its expected benefits in dollars (or other currency). The benefit-to-cost ratio is a measure of total return expected per unit of money spent. This analysis generally excludes consideration of factors that are not measured ultimately in economic terms. Cost effectiveness compares alternative ways to achieve a specific set of results. (12 Dec 1998) |
| costs and cost analysis | Absolute, comparative, or differential costs pertaining to services, institutions, resources, etc., or the analysis and study of these costs. (12 Dec 1998) |