The best 30 Biostatistics books

If you want to dive into the world of numbers and healthcare, then biostatistics is the field for you. This book list offers a comprehensive exploration of biostatistics, from its fundamental concepts to its practical applications in medical research and public health.
Whether you're a student, researcher, or simply interested in learning more about this fascinating field, these handpicked titles will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to navigate the world of biostatistics with confidence.

The best 30 Biostatistics books
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1
Biostatistics Books: The Mismeasure of Man by Stephen Jay Gould

The Mismeasure of Man

Stephen Jay Gould

What's The Mismeasure of Man about?

The Mismeasure of Man by Stephen Jay Gould explores the history of attempts to measure intelligence and the flawed assumptions and methods behind these efforts. Gould critiques the concept of biological determinism and argues against the use of IQ tests as a measure of human worth. Through engaging storytelling and meticulous analysis, the book challenges the idea that intelligence can be neatly quantified and raises important questions about the social and ethical implications of such beliefs.

Who should read The Mismeasure of Man?

  • Individuals interested in understanding the flaws of intelligence testing
  • People who want to challenge the notion of biological determinism
  • Readers who seek to explore the history of scientific racism and its impact

What's Today's Health Information Management about?

Today's Health Information Management by Dana C. McWay provides a comprehensive overview of the field, covering topics such as electronic health records, data management, privacy and security, and the role of health information professionals. It offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in health information management, making it a must-read for students and professionals in the healthcare industry.

Who should read Today's Health Information Management?

  • Health information management professionals seeking to stay updated on current industry trends
  • Students pursuing a career in health information management
  • Healthcare administrators and executives looking to understand the importance of effective information management

What's Essentials of Biostatistics in Public Health about?

Essentials of Biostatistics in Public Health provides a comprehensive introduction to biostatistics, focusing on its applications in the field of public health. Written by Lisa M. Sullivan, this book covers essential statistical concepts and methods, and their relevance to epidemiology and public health research. It is a valuable resource for students and professionals seeking to understand and utilize biostatistics in public health practice.

Who should read Essentials of Biostatistics in Public Health?

  • Students studying biostatistics in public health
  • Professionals in the public health field who need a refresher on statistical concepts
  • Researchers and academics looking to apply statistical methods in their work

What's Fundamentals of Biostatistics about?

Fundamentals of Biostatistics by Bernard Rosner provides a comprehensive introduction to statistical concepts and methods in the field of public health and medicine. It covers topics such as study design, data analysis, and interpretation of results, making it an essential resource for students and professionals in the health sciences.

Who should read Fundamentals of Biostatistics?

  • Students studying biostatistics
  • Researchers in the fields of public health, epidemiology, or medicine
  • Healthcare professionals seeking to understand and apply statistical methods in their work

5

What's Data Manipulation with R about?

Data Manipulation with R by Phil Spector is a comprehensive guide that teaches you how to effectively manipulate and analyze data using the R programming language. From data cleaning and transformation to advanced techniques such as reshaping and merging datasets, this book equips you with the knowledge and practical skills needed to harness the power of R for data manipulation.

Who should read Data Manipulation with R?

  • Aspiring data analysts and data scientists looking to learn R programming for data manipulation
  • Experienced R users who want to expand their knowledge and skills in data manipulation
  • Professionals working with large datasets and seeking efficient ways to clean, transform, and analyze data using R

6
Biostatistics Books: Mathematica Cookbook by Sal Mangano

What's Mathematica Cookbook about?

'Mathematica Cookbook' is a comprehensive guide written by Sal Mangano that provides a collection of practical recipes for using Mathematica, a powerful computational software. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user, this book offers step-by-step solutions for a wide range of mathematical and scientific tasks, making it an essential resource for anyone looking to harness the full potential of Mathematica.

Who should read Mathematica Cookbook?

  • Mathematica users who want to expand their knowledge and skills
  • Students and professionals in the fields of mathematics, science, and engineering
  • People looking for practical solutions to common problems in data analysis, visualization, and modeling

7
Biostatistics Books: ggplot2 by Hadley Wickham

ggplot2

Hadley Wickham

What's ggplot2 about?

ggplot2 (2016) by Hadley Wickham is a comprehensive guide to creating stunning visualizations in R. The book introduces the grammar of graphics and demonstrates how to use the ggplot2 package to build custom plots layer by layer. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced data scientist, this book will help you master the art of data visualization.

Who should read ggplot2?

  • Individuals looking to improve their data visualization skills using R
  • Data analysts and scientists who want to create visually compelling graphics
  • Professionals seeking to communicate complex data insights effectively through visual representations

8
Biostatistics Books: Fuzzy Thinking by Bart Kosko

Fuzzy Thinking

Bart Kosko

What's Fuzzy Thinking about?

Fuzzy Thinking by Bart Kosko explores the concept of fuzzy logic and how it challenges traditional binary thinking. Kosko argues that the world is not black and white, but rather filled with shades of gray, and that embracing this uncertainty can lead to better decision-making in various fields, from technology to ethics.

Who should read Fuzzy Thinking?

  • Individuals who are curious about how the human mind works and makes decisions
  • People interested in exploring alternative approaches to problem-solving and decision-making
  • Readers who enjoy thought-provoking discussions on the intersection of technology and philosophy

9
Biostatistics Books: Getting Started with R by Andrew P. Beckerman, Dylan Z. Childs

Getting Started with R

Andrew P. Beckerman, Dylan Z. Childs

What's Getting Started with R about?

Getting Started with R by Andrew P. Beckerman and Dylan Z. Childs is a comprehensive guide for beginners looking to learn R programming language for statistical analysis and data visualization. The book covers the basics of R, data manipulation, visualization, and statistical modeling, making it an essential resource for anyone looking to harness the power of R for their data analysis needs.

Who should read Getting Started with R?

  • Individuals who are new to programming and want to learn R from scratch
  • Students or professionals in the fields of data science, statistics, or biology
  • Readers who prefer a hands-on approach with practical examples and exercises

10
Biostatistics Books: The History of Statistics by Stephen M. Stigler

The History of Statistics

Stephen M. Stigler

What's The History of Statistics about?

The History of Statistics by Stephen M. Stigler is an in-depth exploration of the development and evolution of statistical methods over centuries. From its early roots in gambling and astronomy to its crucial role in shaping scientific research and public policy, this book offers a comprehensive account of how statistics has transformed our understanding of the world.

Who should read The History of Statistics?

  • Students and professionals in the field of statistics
  • Individuals with a curiosity about the historical development of statistical methods
  • Readers who enjoy exploring the intersection of mathematics and scientific discovery

What's Health Care Information Systems about?

Health Care Information Systems by Karen A. Wager provides a comprehensive overview of the use of technology in healthcare. It covers topics such as electronic health records, health information exchange, and telemedicine, offering insights into how these systems can improve patient care and streamline healthcare operations. With real-world examples and case studies, this book is a valuable resource for healthcare professionals and students alike.

Who should read Health Care Information Systems?

  • Healthcare professionals looking to understand and utilize information systems in their practice
  • Students studying healthcare management or information technology
  • Healthcare administrators seeking to improve efficiency and quality of care through technology

12
Biostatistics Books: Regression Modeling Strategies by Frank E. Harrell Jr.

Regression Modeling Strategies

Frank E. Harrell Jr.

What's Regression Modeling Strategies about?

Regression Modeling Strategies by Frank E. Harrell Jr. provides a comprehensive guide to building and assessing predictive models using regression analysis. It offers practical advice and strategies for model development, validation, and interpretation, making it an essential resource for researchers and data analysts.

Who should read Regression Modeling Strategies?

  • Graduate students and researchers in statistics, biostatistics, and epidemiology
  • Data analysts and professionals in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries
  • Anyone looking to improve their skills in regression modeling and predictive analytics

What's Introductory Statistics with R about?

Introductory Statistics with R by Peter Dalgaard is a comprehensive guide that introduces readers to the fundamental concepts of statistics using the R programming language. It covers topics such as data visualization, probability, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis, providing clear explanations and practical examples. Whether you're a student or a professional looking to enhance your statistical skills, this book is a valuable resource for learning statistics with R.

Who should read Introductory Statistics with R?

  • Undergraduate or graduate students studying introductory statistics
  • Professionals looking to learn statistical analysis and data visualization using R
  • Individuals from any field seeking to enhance their data analysis skills

What's Practical Statistics for Field Biology about?

Practical Statistics for Field Biology by Jim Fowler is a comprehensive guide that helps field biologists understand and apply statistical methods to their research. It covers a wide range of topics including data collection, analysis, and interpretation, using clear explanations and real-life examples. Whether you're studying animal behavior, ecology, or any other field biology, this book will equip you with the essential statistical skills needed for successful research.

Who should read Practical Statistics for Field Biology?

  • Undergraduate or graduate students studying field biology or ecology
  • Field researchers and biologists who need to analyze and interpret data
  • Scientists who want to improve their understanding of statistical methods in the context of field work

15
Biostatistics Books: Basic Biostatistics by B. Burt Gerstman

Basic Biostatistics

B. Burt Gerstman

What's Basic Biostatistics about?

Basic Biostatistics by B. Burt Gerstman provides a clear and comprehensive introduction to the principles and methods of biostatistics. It covers essential topics such as study design, data analysis, and interpretation of results, making it an invaluable resource for students and researchers in the field of public health and medicine.

Who should read Basic Biostatistics?

  • Undergraduate or graduate students studying biostatistics
  • Health professionals who want to understand and apply statistical concepts to their work
  • Researchers and scientists in the fields of public health, epidemiology, and biomedical sciences

What's Introduction to Probability Models about?

Introduction to Probability Models by Sheldon M. Ross provides a comprehensive introduction to the theory and application of probability models. It covers a wide range of topics including random variables, Markov chains, queuing theory, and simulation. With clear explanations and numerous examples, this book is a valuable resource for students and professionals in the fields of statistics, engineering, and operations research.

Who should read Introduction to Probability Models?

  • Undergraduate students studying probability and statistics
  • Graduate students in engineering, mathematics, or related fields
  • Professionals in finance, insurance, or risk management seeking to enhance their quantitative skills

17

What's Generalized Additive Models about?

Generalized Additive Models by Simon N. Wood provides a comprehensive introduction to the theory and practical application of GAMs. It covers the underlying concepts, model fitting, interpretation of results, and software implementation. This book is a valuable resource for statisticians, data analysts, and researchers interested in understanding and utilizing GAMs in their work.

Who should read Generalized Additive Models?

  • Statisticians and data analysts interested in non-linear modeling techniques
  • Researchers in fields such as ecology, environmental science, and public health
  • Graduate students or advanced undergraduates studying statistics or related disciplines

18
Biostatistics Books: Introduction to the New Statistics by Geoff Cumming, Robert Calin-Jageman

Introduction to the New Statistics

Geoff Cumming, Robert Calin-Jageman

What's Introduction to the New Statistics about?

Introduction to the New Statistics provides a fresh perspective on statistical methods in psychological research. Authors Geoff Cumming and Robert Calin-Jageman introduce readers to the concept of estimation, emphasizing effect sizes, confidence intervals, and meta-analysis over traditional hypothesis testing. This book revolutionizes the way statistics is taught and used in the field, promoting transparency and reproducibility in scientific studies.

Who should read Introduction to the New Statistics?

  • Undergraduate or graduate students studying psychology, social sciences, or health sciences
  • Researchers and professionals who want to update their statistical knowledge
  • Educators looking to incorporate the “new statistics” into their teaching curriculum

19
Biostatistics Books: Intuitive Biostatistics by Harvey Motulsky

Intuitive Biostatistics

Harvey Motulsky

What's Intuitive Biostatistics about?

Intuitive Biostatistics by Harvey Motulsky is a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying statistical concepts in the field of biostatistics. It offers clear explanations and real-world examples to help readers grasp complex statistical methods and their relevance to medical and biological research. Whether you're a student, researcher, or healthcare professional, this book will enhance your ability to interpret and critically evaluate scientific data.

Who should read Intuitive Biostatistics?

  • Graduate or undergraduate students in health sciences
  • Medical professionals looking to understand and interpret statistical data
  • Researchers who want to improve their statistical literacy and critical thinking skills

What's Essentials of Writing Biomedical Research Papers about?

Essentials of Writing Biomedical Research Papers by Mimi Zeiger provides a comprehensive guide to writing and publishing scientific research papers in the biomedical field. It covers essential topics such as structuring a paper, presenting data, citing sources, and adhering to journal guidelines. Whether you're a student, researcher, or aspiring author, this book offers valuable insights and practical tips to improve your writing skills in the field of biomedical research.

Who should read Essentials of Writing Biomedical Research Papers?

  • Biomedical researchers and academics looking to improve their writing skills
  • Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in the biomedical sciences
  • Healthcare professionals and scientists who want to communicate their research effectively

21
Biostatistics Books: Modern Statistics for Modern Biology by Wolfgang Huber, Susan Holmes

Modern Statistics for Modern Biology

Wolfgang Huber, Susan Holmes

What's Modern Statistics for Modern Biology about?

Modern Statistics for Modern Biology by Wolfgang Huber and Susan Holmes offers a comprehensive guide to statistical analysis in the field of biology. The book covers a wide range of topics including experimental design, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and statistical programming in R. It provides practical examples and exercises to help biologists apply statistical methods to their own research.

Who should read Modern Statistics for Modern Biology?

  • Biologists and life scientists who want to integrate modern statistical methods into their research
  • Graduate students or researchers who need to analyze high-dimensional biological data
  • Professionals in the field of bioinformatics or computational biology

What's The Visual Display of Quantitative Information about?

The Visual Display of Quantitative Information (1983) by Edward R. Tufte is a groundbreaking book that explores the design and presentation of statistical data. Tufte discusses principles for displaying complex information in a way that is clear, accurate, and visually appealing. Through numerous examples and illustrations, the book challenges traditional methods of data visualization and offers innovative techniques for conveying data effectively.

Who should read The Visual Display of Quantitative Information?

  • Readers who want to effectively communicate data and information through visual displays
  • Professionals in fields such as business, science, and research
  • Individuals interested in improving their data visualization skills

23
Biostatistics Books: The Cartoon Guide to Statistics by Larry Gonick, Woollcott Smith

The Cartoon Guide to Statistics

Larry Gonick, Woollcott Smith

What's The Cartoon Guide to Statistics about?

The Cartoon Guide to Statistics by Larry Gonick and Woollcott Smith is a fun and informative book that uses cartoons and witty dialogue to explain the key concepts of statistics. It covers a wide range of topics including probability, correlation, regression analysis, and more. Whether you're a student struggling with statistics or just someone who wants to understand the world of data better, this book makes learning statistics enjoyable and easy to grasp.

Who should read The Cartoon Guide to Statistics?

  • Readers who want to understand statistics in a fun and engaging way
  • Students looking for a supplementary guide to complement their statistics course
  • Professionals who need to grasp statistical concepts for their work

24
Biostatistics Books: Introduction to Meta-Analysis by Michael Borenstein, Larry V. Hedges

Introduction to Meta-Analysis

Michael Borenstein, Larry V. Hedges

What's Introduction to Meta-Analysis about?

Introduction to Meta-Analysis by Michael Borenstein and Larry V. Hedges is a comprehensive guide to the principles and techniques of meta-analysis. This book provides a clear and easy-to-understand introduction to the statistical methods used in combining and analyzing data from multiple studies. It is a valuable resource for researchers and students looking to understand and conduct meta-analyses in various fields of study.

Who should read Introduction to Meta-Analysis?

  • Researchers and academics looking to understand and apply meta-analysis methodology
  • Graduate students and professionals in fields such as social sciences, medicine, education, and business
  • Individuals interested in synthesizing and interpreting findings from multiple studies

25
Biostatistics Books: Getting Started with R by Andrew P. Beckerman

Getting Started with R

Andrew P. Beckerman

What's Getting Started with R about?

Getting Started with R provides a comprehensive introduction to the R programming language, designed for beginners. It covers the basics of R, data manipulation, visualization, and statistical analysis. With clear explanations and practical examples, this book is a great resource for anyone looking to learn R for data analysis.

Who should read Getting Started with R?

  • Individuals who want to learn how to use R for statistical analysis and data visualization

  • Students or professionals in the fields of biology, ecology, or environmental science

  • Beginners who are new to programming and want to start with a user-friendly language like R


What's Introduction to the New Statistics about?

Introduction to the New Statistics by Geoff Cumming offers a fresh perspective on statistical analysis. It introduces the concept of effect sizes and confidence intervals, challenging the traditional reliance on p-values. This book provides a comprehensive guide for researchers and students looking to embrace a more informative and transparent approach to data analysis.

Who should read Introduction to the New Statistics?

  • Students or professionals seeking a modern and practical approach to understanding and applying statistics

  • Educators looking for a comprehensive resource to teach the principles of the "new statistics"

  • Researchers who want to enhance the transparency and reproducibility of their work through open science practices


27
Biostatistics Books: Introduction to Meta-Analysis by Michael Borenstein

Introduction to Meta-Analysis

Michael Borenstein

What's Introduction to Meta-Analysis about?

Introduction to Meta-Analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and methods of meta-analysis in research. Written by Michael Borenstein and his co-authors, this book covers the fundamental concepts, statistical techniques, and practical considerations involved in conducting a meta-analysis. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers, students, and professionals looking to synthesize and interpret findings from multiple studies.

Who should read Introduction to Meta-Analysis?

  • Researchers and academics looking to understand and conduct meta-analysis

  • Students in social sciences, psychology, medicine, or any field that involves synthesizing research findings

  • Professionals in healthcare, education, or business who want to make evidence-based decisions


28
Biostatistics Books: Mathematica Cookbook by Salvatore Mangano

Mathematica Cookbook

Salvatore Mangano

What's Mathematica Cookbook about?

Mathematica Cookbook by Salvatore Mangano offers a collection of practical recipes for using Mathematica, a powerful computational software. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, this book provides step-by-step instructions and examples to help you solve complex mathematical problems, visualize data, and create interactive applications. It's a valuable resource for anyone looking to harness the full potential of Mathematica.

Who should read Mathematica Cookbook?

  • Mathematica users who want to deepen their understanding and expand their skills

  • Scientists, engineers, and researchers looking to leverage Mathematica for their work

  • Students and educators in mathematics, physics, or related fields seeking practical examples and solutions


What's Modern Statistics for Modern Biology about?

Modern Statistics for Modern Biology by Susan Holmes is a comprehensive guide that introduces biologists to the essential statistical techniques and computational tools needed for analyzing and interpreting biological data. The book covers topics such as data visualization, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and machine learning, all with a focus on real-world biological applications. It provides clear explanations and practical examples, making it an invaluable resource for biologists looking to enhance their statistical skills.

Who should read Modern Statistics for Modern Biology?

  • Biologists and life scientists looking to apply statistical methods to their research

  • Graduate students or researchers who want to learn how to analyze biological data using modern statistical techniques

  • Professionals in the field of bioinformatics or computational biology seeking to enhance their statistical skills


What's The Cartoon Guide to Statistics about?

The Cartoon Guide to Statistics by Larry Gonick is a fun and engaging book that simplifies the complex world of statistics through humorous illustrations and easy-to-understand explanations. Whether you're a student struggling with stats or just someone who wants to grasp the basics, this book will make the subject more accessible and enjoyable.

Who should read The Cartoon Guide to Statistics?

  • Anyone looking to learn statistics in a fun and engaging way

  • Students or professionals who want to understand and apply statistical concepts

  • People who prefer visual explanations and storytelling over traditional textbooks


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Biostatistics Books
 FAQs 

What's the best Biostatistics book to read?

While choosing just one book about a topic is always tough, many people regard The Mismeasure of Man as the ultimate read on Biostatistics.

What are the Top 10 Biostatistics books?

Blinkist curators have picked the following:
  • The Mismeasure of Man by Stephen Jay Gould
  • Today's Health Information Management by Dana C. McWay
  • Essentials of Biostatistics in Public Health by Lisa M. Sullivan
  • Fundamentals of Biostatistics by Bernard Rosner
  • Data Manipulation with R by Phil Spector
  • Mathematica Cookbook by Sal Mangano
  • ggplot2 by Hadley Wickham
  • Fuzzy Thinking by Bart Kosko
  • Getting Started with R by Andrew P. Beckerman, Dylan Z. Childs
  • The History of Statistics by Stephen M. Stigler

Who are the top Biostatistics book authors?

When it comes to Biostatistics, these are the authors who stand out as some of the most influential:
  • Stephen Jay Gould
  • Dana C. McWay
  • Lisa M. Sullivan
  • Bernard Rosner
  • Phil Spector