
While fairly straightforward in isolation, these two methods applied together might decrease the average number of data points needed to make decisions or detect changes while intelligently controlling the allowed error rate. Multiple hypothesis testing is testing for significance across multiple tests concurrently. Sequential analysis is the concept of statistical estimation or deci- sion-making in real time as data is collected, as opposed to retrospectively on a fixed sample size, as is typically done. Professor Baron’s research is rooted in two statistical techniques: sequential analysis and multiple hypothesis testing. Lowering the cost of clinical trials may lead to lower cost of treatments, thus reducing the overall cost of health care. In the long term, this would mean more efficient use of resources and potentially life-saving reductions in the amount of time needed to establish a drug’s safety. But new, more efficient methods that push the boundaries of modern statistics could allow clinicians to determine with statistical certainty, based on fewer subjects, that a drug is safe. Such standards are determined (and limited) by currently available statistical methods. In order to be sure that a drug will not have an adverse effect on humans, certain statistical standards must be met in the drug’s clinical trials. More importantly, it could save participants from unknown risks.
#STATISTICS SEQUENTIAL TESTING TRIAL#
Lowering the number of subjects needed in a trial could save valuable time and resources. Currently, clinical trials are expensive, time consuming, and often require testing a large number of subjects in order to be sure that a drug is ready for human consumption. But for Professor Michael Baron, a recent addition to American University’s Department of Mathematics and Statistics, these priorities are just a part of his everyday research on sequential analysis and multiple hypothesis testing.Ĭonsider the cost of a clinical trial. Treating cancer and protecting the world against new terrorist threats might seem like a lot to tackle for the average person.
