analysis of data

entering data into a database

1. Assign numbers to the participants’ responses

2. enter the numbers into a computer database

3. check and correct errors

4. begin statistical analysis

descriptive data analysis

describes data by examining the distribution of scores for each variable

Provides researchers with a "picture" of how participants scored and how those scores relate to one another

often creates a frequency distribution, e.g., a bar graph

measures of central tendency

mean

average score

total divided by the number of units

mode

socre that occurs most frequently

median

middle score when arranged in ascending order

measures of variability

Indicates how diverse/variable the spread of scores is

range, variance, standard deviation

reliabiltiy

whether the measurement instrument provides accurate and consistent results each time

validity

whether the measurement instrument measures what it needs to for the study