Overview
Missing data frequently occur in both observational and experimental research. They lead to a loss of statistical power, but more importantly, may introduce bias into the analysis. In this course we adopt a principled approach to handling missing data, in which the first step is a careful consideration of suitable assumptions regarding the missing data for a given study. Based on this, appropriate statistical methods can be identified that are valid under the chosen assumptions. The course will focus particularly on the practical use of multiple imputation (MI) to handle missing data in realistic epidemiological and clinical trial settings, but will also include an introduction to inverse probability weighting methods and new developments which combine these with MI.
Course organisers
Dr Jonathan Bartlett, Dr James Carpenter and Prof Mike Kenward
Who should apply?
Epidemiologists, biostatisticians and other health researchers with strong quantitative skills and experience in statistical analysis. Stata will be used for the computer practicals, and so familiarity with the package is highly desirable, although full Stata code and solutions will be provided.
Course content
The course will:
- provide an introduction to the issues raised by missing data, and the associated statistical jargon (missing completely at random, missing at random, missing not at random)
- illustrate the shortcomings of ad-hoc methods for 'handling' missing data
- introduce multiple imputation for statistical analysis with missing data
- compare and contrast this with other methods, in particular inverse probability weighting and doubly robust methods, and
- to introduce accessible methods for exploring the sensitivity of inference to the missing at random assumption
Through computer practicals using Stata, participants will learn how to apply the statistical methods introduced in the course to realistic datasets.
Course Certificate and Assessment
There will be no formal assessment but a Certificate of Attendance will be awarded.
Course fee
£600
Travel and Accommodation
The School cannot organise travel or provide accommodation for participants. A list of hotels and other accommodation located in the vicinity of the School can be provided on request to Registry.
How to Apply
Please apply using the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM
The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine is committed to improving global health through its programme of short and full-time postgraduate study.
Please note:
- If you have been offered a place on the course you will not be able to register without bringing formal ID (Passport / UK photo driving license) to registration.
- The School may cancel courses two weeks before the first day of the course if numbers prove insufficient. In those circumstances, course fees will be refunded.
- The School cannot accept responsibility for accommodation, travel and other losses incurred as a result of the course being cancelled.
