Forensic Sci.

Statistic Methods in Forensic Science2

Estatística Aplicada às Ciências Forenses

Course code:8059127

Luís Francisco Alexandrino Proença

Learning outcomes of the curricular unit:

This curricular unit aims to provide basic skills in statistics, with specific application in the forensic area, namely in the interpretation, evaluation and presentation of evidence and laboratory analysis, which is reflected into the following learning objectives (LO):

  1. To critically select the most appropriate statistical procedures, based on data and problem characteristics
  2. To understand and apply descriptive, inferential and modelling statistical analysis methodologies
  3. To interpret the results of statistical analyses and discuss their limitations
  4. To correctly synthesize statistical information of various types
  5. To explain the statistical methods used for the interpretation of analytical measurements
  6. To demonstrate how to assess the frequency of occurrence of evidential materials to aid in the interpretation of analytical results
  7. To know how to apply the appropriate statistical tests to analytical data of forensic examinations
Syllabus:
  1. Data organization. Fundamental concepts in statistics. Understanding inferential statistics.
  2. Descriptive statistics. Sample statistics (location, dispersion and shape). Outliers.
  3. Variables crossing / association. Correlation analysis..
  4. Estimation of parameters. Confidence intervals.
  5. Hypothesis testing. Methodology (assumptions, applicability conditions, test statistics, decision).
  6. Statistical tests. Parametric and non-parametric analysis for one, two or more samples (independent and paired).
  7. Regression analysis. Linear regression. Other regression models.
 
Suggested Bibliography:
  • Callegari-Jacques SM (2003) Bioestatística: Princípios e Aplicações, Artmed. ISBN: 9788536300924
  • Lucy D (2005) Introduction to Statistics for Forensic Scientists, Wiley. ISBN: 0470022019
  • Marôco J (2011) Análise Estatística com o SPSS Statistics, ReportNumber. ISBN: 9789899676329