Basic Stats for Research

Chapter 1: Intro to Stats

Data

Collections of observations, such as measurements, genders, or survey responses

Statistics

The sceince of planning studies and experiments; obtaining data; and organizing, summarizing, presenting, analyzing, and interpreting those data and then drawing conclusions based on them

Population

The complete collection of all measurements or data that are being considered. Typically a population is the complete collection of data that we would like to make inferences about

Ex) Rutgers Students, all undergad in NJ, in US

Census

The collection of data from every member of a population

Sample

A subcollection of members selected from a population

Sampling Method

The individuals were randomly selected, so the sampling method appears to be sound

Voluntary Response/Self-Selected Sample

One in which the respondents themselves decide whether to be included

Applying Statistical Methods

Does not require strong computational skills,a good statistical anaylsis does require using common sense and paying careful attention to sound statistical method

Statistical Significance

Achieved in a study if the likelihood of an event occuring by chance is 5% or less

Practical Significance

It’s possible that some treatment or finding is effective, but common sense might suggest that the treatment or finding does not make enough of a difference to justify its use or to be pratical

Misleading Conclusions

Based on statisistical analysis, we should make statements that are clear even to those who have no understanding of stats and terminology

Sample Data Reported Instead of Measured

When collecting data from people, it is better to take measurements yourself instead of asking subjects to report results

Loaded Questions

If survey results are not worded carefully, the results of a study can be misleading

Order of Questions

Sometimes survey questions are unintentionally loaded by the order of the items being considered

Nonresponse

Occurs when someone either refuses to respond or is unavailable

Low Response Rates

if a survey has this, the reliability of the results decrease. There is an increase likelihood of having a bias among those who respond

Percentages

Not that 100% of someone quanittiy is all of it but if there are references that exceed 100% are not often justified

Parameter

A numerical measurement describing some charactersitic of a population

Statistic

A numerical measurement describing some characterisitc of a sample

Quantitative/Numerical Data

consist of numbers representing ocunts or measurements

ex) the weights of supermodels

Qualitivate/Categorical/Attribute Data

consists of names or labels (not numbers that represent counrs or measurements)

ex) color of uniforms; red,black,orange

ex) shirt numbers on professional athlete’s uniforms - subsituites for names