Psychological Statistics
Instructor: Jade G. Villanueva, CSPE, RPm
Psychological Statistics encompasses:
The art and science of collecting data
Presenting data in various forms
Analyzing data for interpretation
Utilization in psychological reports and materials
Descriptive Statistics:
Collection and presentation of data.
Inferential Statistics:
Interpretation and usage of data derived from descriptive statistics.
Continuous Data:
Measures that allow varying degrees of precision.
Non-Continuous (Discrete) Data:
Measured in whole units.
Nominal Scales:
Measures of identity, e.g., classifications like gender or religion.
Ordinal Scales:
Used for ranking, provides relational information about size or preference.
Interval Scales:
Reflect numerical differences, e.g., test scores and temperature readings.
Ratio Scales:
Highest type of scale, measures such as length and weight.
∑: sum of
f: frequencies
F: cumulative frequencies
n: sample size
N: population size
i: interval
X: independent variable
Y: dependent variable
µ: population mean
Population:
Total number of objects under investigation.
Sample:
Representative subset from the population.
Obtaining a sample is referred to as sampling, especially when the population is large.
Probability Sampling:
Random selection leading to strong statistical inference.
Non-Probability Sampling:
Non-random selection based on convenience or criteria, easier data collection but less reliability.
Every member of the population has an equal chance of selection.
Example: Select 1000 employees randomly by assigning numbers and using a random generator.
Similar to simple random, but involves regular intervals in selection.
Example: Start at a random point and select every 10th person from an ordered list of employees.
Population is divided into subgroups (strata) for adequate representation.
Example: Stratifying by gender to ensure valid representation when sampling.
Random selection of entire subgroups rather than individuals.
Example: Randomly choosing company offices for data collection.
Areas divided into smaller units for sampling when full population frame is unavailable.
Example: Using city maps to randomly sample blocks.
Used when clusters are still too large, can yield further sub-sampling.
Example: Randomly selecting individuals from previously chosen clusters.
Researcher selects a sample based on expertise to fit the research needs.
Example: Selecting students with diverse needs to explore their experiences.
Samples of readily available individuals, risky for bias.
Example: Surveying classmates post-lessons, potentially unrepresentative.
Non-random selection to meet specific quotas from targeted groups.
Example: Dividing consumers by dietary preferences to gauge interest levels, ensuring diverse representation.
Random selection of a panel for repeated surveys over time.
Example: Monitoring vaccine participants over several assessments.
Used for hard-to-access populations, relying on participants to recruit others.
Example: Researching homelessness by gaining access through networks among the homeless.
Slovin's Formula:
Used for determining sample size, factoring in margin of error.
Common margin of error in social science: 1% to 10% (90%-99% accuracy).
At 95% accuracy, margin of error is 5% (0.05).
Formula Execution:
n = 2500 / (1 + 2500(0.05)^2)
Continue calculations to find:
n = 2500 / (1 + 6.25)
Final size: n = 345 sampled.
At 97% accuracy, margin of error is 3% (0.03).
Formula Execution:
n = 200 / (1 + 200(0.03)^2)
Following through leads to:
n = 200 / (1.18)
Final size: n = 169 sampled.
Find the sample size if the population is 9550 at 96% accuracy.
Find the sample size if the population is 11550 using a 0.07 margin of error.