Chapter 1: Why the Social Researcher Uses Statistics

Chapter 1

Variable

A characteristic that differs or varies from one individual to another.

Hypothesis

A statement of a relationship between two or more variables.

Independent variable

The presumed cause or influence affecting the dependent variable.

Dependent variable

The presumed outcome or effect resulting from treatment or exposure.

Experiment

Research where the investigator manipulates one or more independent variables.

Experimental group

The group in an experiment that receives the treatment or manipulation.

Control group

The group in an experiment that does not receive the manipulation.

Survey research

Retrospective research using questionnaires and interviews to collect data.

Content analysis

Research method used to describe the content of previously produced messages.

Participant observation

Research where the investigator joins the daily life of subjects under study.

Secondary analysis

Research conducted using data previously collected by another researcher.

Nominal level of measurement

Measurement involving naming or labeling categories without inherent order.

Ordinal level of measurement

Measurement involving categories that can be ordered or ranked.

Interval level of measurement

Measurement involving ordered categories with exact, equal distances.

Discrete variable

A variable with separate, distinct, and specific values.

Continuous variable

A variable with an infinite range of possible values.

Two primary functions of statistics

Describing data and making decisions or inferences about a population.