Data Analysis and Statistics Notes

Why carry out research?

• This allows us to answer questions about human behaviour

The 2 main types of research methods

• Quantitative research (in reference to quantities of numbers, how much of what? Deductive, deals with test predictions/theory) (Covered in both of these semesters, also done in year 2 semester 1: “Advanced Statistics and Data Analysis”)

• Qualitative research (in reference to quality of data, what is the experience of something? Is there need for meaning, context or reflections? Usually inductive) (Covered in Second year BSc Semester 2 ‘Qualitative Research Methods’ module)

How do we carry out quantitative research?

1. Create Research Question

2. Identify Variables

3. State Hypothesis(es)

4. Select Sample

5. Design Experiment

6. Analyse Data

7. Interpret Findings

What does it mean to operationalise variables?

This term describes when a variable is defined by the researcher and a way of measuring that variable is developed for the research.