Impacts of Data Interpretation Issues

Impacts of Data Interpretation Issues

Discussions are designed to promote dialogue between faculty and students, and students and their peers. In the discussions, students should

demonstrate an understanding of the concepts for the module;

integrate professional resources;

engage in meaningful and respectful dialogue with classmates; and

express thoughts clearly and logically.

Course Outcomes

This discussion provides documentation of student ability to meet the following course outcomes:

CO1: Develop correct use of advanced biostatistical methods and discipline specific epidemiological terminology as related to public health programs.

CO3: Explain the impact of proposed, ongoing and/or completed epidemiological studies on current public health programs and initiatives.

CO6: Evaluate how ethics, economics, and science impact epidemiology’s role in public health policy development.

CO7: Assess factors associated with environmental, biological, social, and behavioral aspects of infectious and chronic diseases in relation to health outcomes.

Data interpretation and results are vital to progress in public health and epidemiology. Poor interpretation or inaccurate reporting can cause drastic problems for public health and impact millions. One of the best examples of this are the studies of the MMR vaccine being associated with increased risk of Autism. Review the following resources and discuss the concerns about

data interpretation

reporting of results

validity and reliability

bias and confounding

Finally, explain the short term and long-term effects of the issues concerning data related to the study.

Resources

Do Vaccines Cause Autism? (Links to an external site.)

Mercury, Vaccines, and Autism: One Controversy, Three Histories (Links to an external site.)

Thimerosal and Vaccines (Links to an external site.)

The MMR Vaccination and Autism Controversy in United Kingdom 1998-2005 (Links to an external site.)

Retracted: Ileal-lymphoid-nodular hyperplasia, non-specific colitis, and pervasive developmental disorder in children