Author: Roderick J. A. Little
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118595696
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 444
Book Description
An up-to-date, comprehensive treatment of a classic text on missing data in statistics The topic of missing data has gained considerable attention in recent decades. This new edition by two acknowledged experts on the subject offers an up-to-date account of practical methodology for handling missing data problems. Blending theory and application, authors Roderick Little and Donald Rubin review historical approaches to the subject and describe simple methods for multivariate analysis with missing values. They then provide a coherent theory for analysis of problems based on likelihoods derived from statistical models for the data and the missing data mechanism, and then they apply the theory to a wide range of important missing data problems. Statistical Analysis with Missing Data, Third Edition starts by introducing readers to the subject and approaches toward solving it. It looks at the patterns and mechanisms that create the missing data, as well as a taxonomy of missing data. It then goes on to examine missing data in experiments, before discussing complete-case and available-case analysis, including weighting methods. The new edition expands its coverage to include recent work on topics such as nonresponse in sample surveys, causal inference, diagnostic methods, and sensitivity analysis, among a host of other topics. An updated “classic” written by renowned authorities on the subject Features over 150 exercises (including many new ones) Covers recent work on important methods like multiple imputation, robust alternatives to weighting, and Bayesian methods Revises previous topics based on past student feedback and class experience Contains an updated and expanded bibliography The authors were awarded The Karl Pearson Prize in 2017 by the International Statistical Institute, for a research contribution that has had profound influence on statistical theory, methodology or applications. Their work "has been no less than defining and transforming." (ISI) Statistical Analysis with Missing Data, Third Edition is an ideal textbook for upper undergraduate and/or beginning graduate level students of the subject. It is also an excellent source of information for applied statisticians and practitioners in government and industry.
Statistical Analysis with Missing Data
Author: Roderick J. A. Little
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118595696
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 444
Book Description
An up-to-date, comprehensive treatment of a classic text on missing data in statistics The topic of missing data has gained considerable attention in recent decades. This new edition by two acknowledged experts on the subject offers an up-to-date account of practical methodology for handling missing data problems. Blending theory and application, authors Roderick Little and Donald Rubin review historical approaches to the subject and describe simple methods for multivariate analysis with missing values. They then provide a coherent theory for analysis of problems based on likelihoods derived from statistical models for the data and the missing data mechanism, and then they apply the theory to a wide range of important missing data problems. Statistical Analysis with Missing Data, Third Edition starts by introducing readers to the subject and approaches toward solving it. It looks at the patterns and mechanisms that create the missing data, as well as a taxonomy of missing data. It then goes on to examine missing data in experiments, before discussing complete-case and available-case analysis, including weighting methods. The new edition expands its coverage to include recent work on topics such as nonresponse in sample surveys, causal inference, diagnostic methods, and sensitivity analysis, among a host of other topics. An updated “classic” written by renowned authorities on the subject Features over 150 exercises (including many new ones) Covers recent work on important methods like multiple imputation, robust alternatives to weighting, and Bayesian methods Revises previous topics based on past student feedback and class experience Contains an updated and expanded bibliography The authors were awarded The Karl Pearson Prize in 2017 by the International Statistical Institute, for a research contribution that has had profound influence on statistical theory, methodology or applications. Their work "has been no less than defining and transforming." (ISI) Statistical Analysis with Missing Data, Third Edition is an ideal textbook for upper undergraduate and/or beginning graduate level students of the subject. It is also an excellent source of information for applied statisticians and practitioners in government and industry.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118595696
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 444
Book Description
An up-to-date, comprehensive treatment of a classic text on missing data in statistics The topic of missing data has gained considerable attention in recent decades. This new edition by two acknowledged experts on the subject offers an up-to-date account of practical methodology for handling missing data problems. Blending theory and application, authors Roderick Little and Donald Rubin review historical approaches to the subject and describe simple methods for multivariate analysis with missing values. They then provide a coherent theory for analysis of problems based on likelihoods derived from statistical models for the data and the missing data mechanism, and then they apply the theory to a wide range of important missing data problems. Statistical Analysis with Missing Data, Third Edition starts by introducing readers to the subject and approaches toward solving it. It looks at the patterns and mechanisms that create the missing data, as well as a taxonomy of missing data. It then goes on to examine missing data in experiments, before discussing complete-case and available-case analysis, including weighting methods. The new edition expands its coverage to include recent work on topics such as nonresponse in sample surveys, causal inference, diagnostic methods, and sensitivity analysis, among a host of other topics. An updated “classic” written by renowned authorities on the subject Features over 150 exercises (including many new ones) Covers recent work on important methods like multiple imputation, robust alternatives to weighting, and Bayesian methods Revises previous topics based on past student feedback and class experience Contains an updated and expanded bibliography The authors were awarded The Karl Pearson Prize in 2017 by the International Statistical Institute, for a research contribution that has had profound influence on statistical theory, methodology or applications. Their work "has been no less than defining and transforming." (ISI) Statistical Analysis with Missing Data, Third Edition is an ideal textbook for upper undergraduate and/or beginning graduate level students of the subject. It is also an excellent source of information for applied statisticians and practitioners in government and industry.
Statistical Power Analysis with Missing Data
Author: Adam Davey
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1135269300
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 328
Book Description
Statistical power analysis has revolutionized the ways in which we conduct and evaluate research. Similar developments in the statistical analysis of incomplete (missing) data are gaining more widespread applications. This volume brings statistical power and incomplete data together under a common framework, in a way that is readily accessible to those with only an introductory familiarity with structural equation modeling. It answers many practical questions such as: How missing data affects the statistical power in a study How much power is likely with different amounts and types of missing data How to increase the power of a design in the presence of missing data, and How to identify the most powerful design in the presence of missing data. Points of Reflection encourage readers to stop and test their understanding of the material. Try Me sections test one’s ability to apply the material. Troubleshooting Tips help to prevent commonly encountered problems. Exercises reinforce content and Additional Readings provide sources for delving more deeply into selected topics. Numerous examples demonstrate the book’s application to a variety of disciplines. Each issue is accompanied by its potential strengths and shortcomings and examples using a variety of software packages (SAS, SPSS, Stata, LISREL, AMOS, and MPlus). Syntax is provided using a single software program to promote continuity but in each case, parallel syntax using the other packages is presented in appendixes. Routines, data sets, syntax files, and links to student versions of software packages are found at www.psypress.com/davey. The worked examples in Part 2 also provide results from a wider set of estimated models. These tables, and accompanying syntax, can be used to estimate statistical power or required sample size for similar problems under a wide range of conditions. Class-tested at Temple, Virginia Tech, and Miami University of Ohio, this brief text is an ideal supplement for graduate courses in applied statistics, statistics II, intermediate or advanced statistics, experimental design, structural equation modeling, power analysis, and research methods taught in departments of psychology, human development, education, sociology, nursing, social work, gerontology and other social and health sciences. The book’s applied approach will also appeal to researchers in these areas. Sections covering Fundamentals, Applications, and Extensions are designed to take readers from first steps to mastery.
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1135269300
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 328
Book Description
Statistical power analysis has revolutionized the ways in which we conduct and evaluate research. Similar developments in the statistical analysis of incomplete (missing) data are gaining more widespread applications. This volume brings statistical power and incomplete data together under a common framework, in a way that is readily accessible to those with only an introductory familiarity with structural equation modeling. It answers many practical questions such as: How missing data affects the statistical power in a study How much power is likely with different amounts and types of missing data How to increase the power of a design in the presence of missing data, and How to identify the most powerful design in the presence of missing data. Points of Reflection encourage readers to stop and test their understanding of the material. Try Me sections test one’s ability to apply the material. Troubleshooting Tips help to prevent commonly encountered problems. Exercises reinforce content and Additional Readings provide sources for delving more deeply into selected topics. Numerous examples demonstrate the book’s application to a variety of disciplines. Each issue is accompanied by its potential strengths and shortcomings and examples using a variety of software packages (SAS, SPSS, Stata, LISREL, AMOS, and MPlus). Syntax is provided using a single software program to promote continuity but in each case, parallel syntax using the other packages is presented in appendixes. Routines, data sets, syntax files, and links to student versions of software packages are found at www.psypress.com/davey. The worked examples in Part 2 also provide results from a wider set of estimated models. These tables, and accompanying syntax, can be used to estimate statistical power or required sample size for similar problems under a wide range of conditions. Class-tested at Temple, Virginia Tech, and Miami University of Ohio, this brief text is an ideal supplement for graduate courses in applied statistics, statistics II, intermediate or advanced statistics, experimental design, structural equation modeling, power analysis, and research methods taught in departments of psychology, human development, education, sociology, nursing, social work, gerontology and other social and health sciences. The book’s applied approach will also appeal to researchers in these areas. Sections covering Fundamentals, Applications, and Extensions are designed to take readers from first steps to mastery.
Applied Missing Data Analysis
Author: Craig K. Enders
Publisher: Guilford Press
ISBN: 1606236393
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 401
Book Description
Walking readers step by step through complex concepts, this book translates missing data techniques into something that applied researchers and graduate students can understand and utilize in their own research. Enders explains the rationale and procedural details for maximum likelihood estimation, Bayesian estimation, multiple imputation, and models for handling missing not at random (MNAR) data. Easy-to-follow examples and small simulated data sets illustrate the techniques and clarify the underlying principles. The companion website includes data files and syntax for the examples in the book as well as up-to-date information on software. The book is accessible to substantive researchers while providing a level of detail that will satisfy quantitative specialists. This book will appeal to researchers and graduate students in psychology, education, management, family studies, public health, sociology, and political science. It will also serve as a supplemental text for doctoral-level courses or seminars in advanced quantitative methods, survey analysis, longitudinal data analysis, and multilevel modeling, and as a primary text for doctoral-level courses or seminars in missing data.
Publisher: Guilford Press
ISBN: 1606236393
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 401
Book Description
Walking readers step by step through complex concepts, this book translates missing data techniques into something that applied researchers and graduate students can understand and utilize in their own research. Enders explains the rationale and procedural details for maximum likelihood estimation, Bayesian estimation, multiple imputation, and models for handling missing not at random (MNAR) data. Easy-to-follow examples and small simulated data sets illustrate the techniques and clarify the underlying principles. The companion website includes data files and syntax for the examples in the book as well as up-to-date information on software. The book is accessible to substantive researchers while providing a level of detail that will satisfy quantitative specialists. This book will appeal to researchers and graduate students in psychology, education, management, family studies, public health, sociology, and political science. It will also serve as a supplemental text for doctoral-level courses or seminars in advanced quantitative methods, survey analysis, longitudinal data analysis, and multilevel modeling, and as a primary text for doctoral-level courses or seminars in missing data.
Statistical Analysis with Missing Data
Author: Roderick J. A. Little
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118625889
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 308
Book Description
* Emphasizes the latest trends in the field. * Includes a new chapter on evolving methods. * Provides updated or revised material in most of the chapters.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118625889
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 308
Book Description
* Emphasizes the latest trends in the field. * Includes a new chapter on evolving methods. * Provides updated or revised material in most of the chapters.
Statistical Analysis With Missing Data
Author: Roderick J. A. Little
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 312
Book Description
Blending theory and application, this study reviews historical approaches to the subject and provides rigorous yet simple methods for multivariate analysis with missing values.
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 312
Book Description
Blending theory and application, this study reviews historical approaches to the subject and provides rigorous yet simple methods for multivariate analysis with missing values.
Flexible Imputation of Missing Data, Second Edition
Author: Stef van Buuren
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 0429960352
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 444
Book Description
Missing data pose challenges to real-life data analysis. Simple ad-hoc fixes, like deletion or mean imputation, only work under highly restrictive conditions, which are often not met in practice. Multiple imputation replaces each missing value by multiple plausible values. The variability between these replacements reflects our ignorance of the true (but missing) value. Each of the completed data set is then analyzed by standard methods, and the results are pooled to obtain unbiased estimates with correct confidence intervals. Multiple imputation is a general approach that also inspires novel solutions to old problems by reformulating the task at hand as a missing-data problem. This is the second edition of a popular book on multiple imputation, focused on explaining the application of methods through detailed worked examples using the MICE package as developed by the author. This new edition incorporates the recent developments in this fast-moving field. This class-tested book avoids mathematical and technical details as much as possible: formulas are accompanied by verbal statements that explain the formula in accessible terms. The book sharpens the reader’s intuition on how to think about missing data, and provides all the tools needed to execute a well-grounded quantitative analysis in the presence of missing data.
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 0429960352
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 444
Book Description
Missing data pose challenges to real-life data analysis. Simple ad-hoc fixes, like deletion or mean imputation, only work under highly restrictive conditions, which are often not met in practice. Multiple imputation replaces each missing value by multiple plausible values. The variability between these replacements reflects our ignorance of the true (but missing) value. Each of the completed data set is then analyzed by standard methods, and the results are pooled to obtain unbiased estimates with correct confidence intervals. Multiple imputation is a general approach that also inspires novel solutions to old problems by reformulating the task at hand as a missing-data problem. This is the second edition of a popular book on multiple imputation, focused on explaining the application of methods through detailed worked examples using the MICE package as developed by the author. This new edition incorporates the recent developments in this fast-moving field. This class-tested book avoids mathematical and technical details as much as possible: formulas are accompanied by verbal statements that explain the formula in accessible terms. The book sharpens the reader’s intuition on how to think about missing data, and provides all the tools needed to execute a well-grounded quantitative analysis in the presence of missing data.
Multiple Imputation of Missing Data in Practice
Author: Yulei He
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 0429530978
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 419
Book Description
Multiple Imputation of Missing Data in Practice: Basic Theory and Analysis Strategies provides a comprehensive introduction to the multiple imputation approach to missing data problems that are often encountered in data analysis. Over the past 40 years or so, multiple imputation has gone through rapid development in both theories and applications. It is nowadays the most versatile, popular, and effective missing-data strategy that is used by researchers and practitioners across different fields. There is a strong need to better understand and learn about multiple imputation in the research and practical community. Accessible to a broad audience, this book explains statistical concepts of missing data problems and the associated terminology. It focuses on how to address missing data problems using multiple imputation. It describes the basic theory behind multiple imputation and many commonly-used models and methods. These ideas are illustrated by examples from a wide variety of missing data problems. Real data from studies with different designs and features (e.g., cross-sectional data, longitudinal data, complex surveys, survival data, studies subject to measurement error, etc.) are used to demonstrate the methods. In order for readers not only to know how to use the methods, but understand why multiple imputation works and how to choose appropriate methods, simulation studies are used to assess the performance of the multiple imputation methods. Example datasets and sample programming code are either included in the book or available at a github site (https://github.com/he-zhang-hsu/multiple_imputation_book). Key Features Provides an overview of statistical concepts that are useful for better understanding missing data problems and multiple imputation analysis Provides a detailed discussion on multiple imputation models and methods targeted to different types of missing data problems (e.g., univariate and multivariate missing data problems, missing data in survival analysis, longitudinal data, complex surveys, etc.) Explores measurement error problems with multiple imputation Discusses analysis strategies for multiple imputation diagnostics Discusses data production issues when the goal of multiple imputation is to release datasets for public use, as done by organizations that process and manage large-scale surveys with nonresponse problems For some examples, illustrative datasets and sample programming code from popular statistical packages (e.g., SAS, R, WinBUGS) are included in the book. For others, they are available at a github site (https://github.com/he-zhang-hsu/multiple_imputation_book)
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 0429530978
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 419
Book Description
Multiple Imputation of Missing Data in Practice: Basic Theory and Analysis Strategies provides a comprehensive introduction to the multiple imputation approach to missing data problems that are often encountered in data analysis. Over the past 40 years or so, multiple imputation has gone through rapid development in both theories and applications. It is nowadays the most versatile, popular, and effective missing-data strategy that is used by researchers and practitioners across different fields. There is a strong need to better understand and learn about multiple imputation in the research and practical community. Accessible to a broad audience, this book explains statistical concepts of missing data problems and the associated terminology. It focuses on how to address missing data problems using multiple imputation. It describes the basic theory behind multiple imputation and many commonly-used models and methods. These ideas are illustrated by examples from a wide variety of missing data problems. Real data from studies with different designs and features (e.g., cross-sectional data, longitudinal data, complex surveys, survival data, studies subject to measurement error, etc.) are used to demonstrate the methods. In order for readers not only to know how to use the methods, but understand why multiple imputation works and how to choose appropriate methods, simulation studies are used to assess the performance of the multiple imputation methods. Example datasets and sample programming code are either included in the book or available at a github site (https://github.com/he-zhang-hsu/multiple_imputation_book). Key Features Provides an overview of statistical concepts that are useful for better understanding missing data problems and multiple imputation analysis Provides a detailed discussion on multiple imputation models and methods targeted to different types of missing data problems (e.g., univariate and multivariate missing data problems, missing data in survival analysis, longitudinal data, complex surveys, etc.) Explores measurement error problems with multiple imputation Discusses analysis strategies for multiple imputation diagnostics Discusses data production issues when the goal of multiple imputation is to release datasets for public use, as done by organizations that process and manage large-scale surveys with nonresponse problems For some examples, illustrative datasets and sample programming code from popular statistical packages (e.g., SAS, R, WinBUGS) are included in the book. For others, they are available at a github site (https://github.com/he-zhang-hsu/multiple_imputation_book)
Missing Data
Author: John W. Graham
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1461440181
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 303
Book Description
Missing data have long plagued those conducting applied research in the social, behavioral, and health sciences. Good missing data analysis solutions are available, but practical information about implementation of these solutions has been lacking. The objective of Missing Data: Analysis and Design is to enable investigators who are non-statisticians to implement modern missing data procedures properly in their research, and reap the benefits in terms of improved accuracy and statistical power. Missing Data: Analysis and Design contains essential information for both beginners and advanced readers. For researchers with limited missing data analysis experience, this book offers an easy-to-read introduction to the theoretical underpinnings of analysis of missing data; provides clear, step-by-step instructions for performing state-of-the-art multiple imputation analyses; and offers practical advice, based on over 20 years' experience, for avoiding and troubleshooting problems. For more advanced readers, unique discussions of attrition, non-Monte-Carlo techniques for simulations involving missing data, evaluation of the benefits of auxiliary variables, and highly cost-effective planned missing data designs are provided. The author lays out missing data theory in a plain English style that is accessible and precise. Most analysis described in the book are conducted using the well-known statistical software packages SAS and SPSS, supplemented by Norm 2.03 and associated Java-based automation utilities. A related web site contains free downloads of the supplementary software, as well as sample empirical data sets and a variety of practical exercises described in the book to enhance and reinforce the reader’s learning experience. Missing Data: Analysis and Design and its web site work together to enable beginners to gain confidence in their ability to conduct missing data analysis, and more advanced readers to expand their skill set.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1461440181
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 303
Book Description
Missing data have long plagued those conducting applied research in the social, behavioral, and health sciences. Good missing data analysis solutions are available, but practical information about implementation of these solutions has been lacking. The objective of Missing Data: Analysis and Design is to enable investigators who are non-statisticians to implement modern missing data procedures properly in their research, and reap the benefits in terms of improved accuracy and statistical power. Missing Data: Analysis and Design contains essential information for both beginners and advanced readers. For researchers with limited missing data analysis experience, this book offers an easy-to-read introduction to the theoretical underpinnings of analysis of missing data; provides clear, step-by-step instructions for performing state-of-the-art multiple imputation analyses; and offers practical advice, based on over 20 years' experience, for avoiding and troubleshooting problems. For more advanced readers, unique discussions of attrition, non-Monte-Carlo techniques for simulations involving missing data, evaluation of the benefits of auxiliary variables, and highly cost-effective planned missing data designs are provided. The author lays out missing data theory in a plain English style that is accessible and precise. Most analysis described in the book are conducted using the well-known statistical software packages SAS and SPSS, supplemented by Norm 2.03 and associated Java-based automation utilities. A related web site contains free downloads of the supplementary software, as well as sample empirical data sets and a variety of practical exercises described in the book to enhance and reinforce the reader’s learning experience. Missing Data: Analysis and Design and its web site work together to enable beginners to gain confidence in their ability to conduct missing data analysis, and more advanced readers to expand their skill set.
Missing Data
Author: Paul D. Allison
Publisher: SAGE Publications
ISBN: 1452207909
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 100
Book Description
Sooner or later anyone who does statistical analysis runs into problems with missing data in which information for some variables is missing for some cases. Why is this a problem? Because most statistical methods presume that every case has information on all the variables to be included in the analysis. Using numerous examples and practical tips, this book offers a nontechnical explanation of the standard methods for missing data (such as listwise or casewise deletion) as well as two newer (and, better) methods, maximum likelihood and multiple imputation. Anyone who has been relying on ad-hoc methods that are statistically inefficient or biased will find this book a welcome and accessible solution to their problems with handling missing data.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
ISBN: 1452207909
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 100
Book Description
Sooner or later anyone who does statistical analysis runs into problems with missing data in which information for some variables is missing for some cases. Why is this a problem? Because most statistical methods presume that every case has information on all the variables to be included in the analysis. Using numerous examples and practical tips, this book offers a nontechnical explanation of the standard methods for missing data (such as listwise or casewise deletion) as well as two newer (and, better) methods, maximum likelihood and multiple imputation. Anyone who has been relying on ad-hoc methods that are statistically inefficient or biased will find this book a welcome and accessible solution to their problems with handling missing data.
Secondary Analysis of Electronic Health Records
Author: MIT Critical Data
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319437429
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 435
Book Description
This book trains the next generation of scientists representing different disciplines to leverage the data generated during routine patient care. It formulates a more complete lexicon of evidence-based recommendations and support shared, ethical decision making by doctors with their patients. Diagnostic and therapeutic technologies continue to evolve rapidly, and both individual practitioners and clinical teams face increasingly complex ethical decisions. Unfortunately, the current state of medical knowledge does not provide the guidance to make the majority of clinical decisions on the basis of evidence. The present research infrastructure is inefficient and frequently produces unreliable results that cannot be replicated. Even randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the traditional gold standards of the research reliability hierarchy, are not without limitations. They can be costly, labor intensive, and slow, and can return results that are seldom generalizable to every patient population. Furthermore, many pertinent but unresolved clinical and medical systems issues do not seem to have attracted the interest of the research enterprise, which has come to focus instead on cellular and molecular investigations and single-agent (e.g., a drug or device) effects. For clinicians, the end result is a bit of a “data desert” when it comes to making decisions. The new research infrastructure proposed in this book will help the medical profession to make ethically sound and well informed decisions for their patients.
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319437429
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 435
Book Description
This book trains the next generation of scientists representing different disciplines to leverage the data generated during routine patient care. It formulates a more complete lexicon of evidence-based recommendations and support shared, ethical decision making by doctors with their patients. Diagnostic and therapeutic technologies continue to evolve rapidly, and both individual practitioners and clinical teams face increasingly complex ethical decisions. Unfortunately, the current state of medical knowledge does not provide the guidance to make the majority of clinical decisions on the basis of evidence. The present research infrastructure is inefficient and frequently produces unreliable results that cannot be replicated. Even randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the traditional gold standards of the research reliability hierarchy, are not without limitations. They can be costly, labor intensive, and slow, and can return results that are seldom generalizable to every patient population. Furthermore, many pertinent but unresolved clinical and medical systems issues do not seem to have attracted the interest of the research enterprise, which has come to focus instead on cellular and molecular investigations and single-agent (e.g., a drug or device) effects. For clinicians, the end result is a bit of a “data desert” when it comes to making decisions. The new research infrastructure proposed in this book will help the medical profession to make ethically sound and well informed decisions for their patients.