Variables 1

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Questions and Answers

What is necessary for researchers to do with numerical information to make it useful?

Simply gather more data

Use statistics to interpret the data (correct)

Present the data in various formats

Store the data for future use

How do statistics contribute to the scientific inquiry process?

They link research and theory together (correct)

They serve as a standalone reason for research findings

They replace the need for data collection

They eliminate the need for theoretical explanations

What role do theories play in the scientific process as described?

They explain relationships among phenomena (correct)

They are based solely on anecdotal evidence

They are not influenced by research findings

They only concern historical events

What happens without a good understanding of statistical analysis?

Data remains mute and useless Signup and view all the answers

Why is the diagram in Figure 1.1 considered circular?

It illustrates that research and theory continuously shape each other Signup and view all the answers

What do statistics primarily provide to scientists in social research?

Techniques for evaluating ideas and testing theories Signup and view all the answers

What must researchers do in addition to gathering data to enhance their findings?

Analyze and interpret the data through statistics Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of scientific theories as presented?

They are explanations developed to understand societal problems Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of statistics in social sciences according to the textbook?

To provide tools for understanding social phenomena Signup and view all the answers

Why is basic statistical literacy important for students in social sciences?

It assists in understanding literature in advanced coursework Signup and view all the answers

How does the textbook describe the approach to teaching statistics?

A practical approach treating statistics as tools Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of statistics in social research?

To manipulate and analyze numerical data Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of statistics is emphasized in the textbook’s introduction?

The application of statistics in analyzing social issues Signup and view all the answers

According to the textbook, what limitation should be acknowledged regarding students' future work with statistics?

Understanding statistics is essential for diverse career fields Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the nature of research in the social sciences?

Research aims to verify ideas and theories through disciplined inquiry. Signup and view all the answers

Why is data considered valuable in social research?

Because it provides the most objective foundation for building theory. Signup and view all the answers

What does the textbook suggest about the role of arithmetic in statistics?

Basic arithmetic is included to support understanding statistics Signup and view all the answers

In what way can the presence of numbers in research be misleading?

It guarantees the quality of the inquiry. Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated about the relationship between statistics and social scientist education?

Some statistical training is essential for social scientists Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason researchers rely on inferential statistics?

To make generalizations from a sample to a population Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'data' refer to in the context of statistics?

Numerical information that can be analyzed statistically Signup and view all the answers

What type of data is recorded when measuring student seating patterns in a classroom after each class?

Categorical data indicating seating arrangement Signup and view all the answers

How do inferential statistics help researchers manage limited resources?

By allowing them to gather data from smaller, cheaper samples Signup and view all the answers

What misconception about statistics does the textbook aim to counter?

Statistics are solely for expert analysts Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between statistics and theory in social sciences?

Statistics help organize and analyze data to support or refute theories. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of measuring traffic accidents, which classification describes an accident with significant injury?

Moderate damage, personal injury requiring hospitalization Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a general use of inferential statistics?

Collecting qualitative data Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the variable 'number of practicing physicians per capita' in a research situation?

Continuous and interval Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by a 'sample' in the context of inferential statistics?

A random selection of individuals from a population Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is essential for data to be used effectively in research?

The data must be gathered with care and analyzed thoughtfully. Signup and view all the answers

What statistical application is being used when comparing highest grades in a math course with grades on a statistics test?

Descriptive statistics (two or more variables) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor in determining the level of measurement of a variable?

The response categories of the variable Signup and view all the answers

What happens if social sciences lack a firm base in data?

They risk being labeled merely as opinion-based disciplines. Signup and view all the answers

In what form do many people commonly encounter inferential statistics in daily life?

Public opinion polls Signup and view all the answers

Which chapter in the textbook is likely to cover measures of central tendency and dispersion?

Chapter 3 Signup and view all the answers

In measuring physical attractiveness, what scale are the judges using?

Interval scale from 0 to 20 Signup and view all the answers

Why is it inappropriate to use numerical statistics on non-numerical variables?

Numerical statistics require numerical inputs for valid calculations Signup and view all the answers

When asking students about their opinion on a new parking policy, which level of measurement is used?

Nominal measurement of favor or oppose Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a variable at the highest level of measurement?

Income in dollars Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'the descriptive-inferential statistics divide' refer to?

The distinction between two fundamental classes of statistics Signup and view all the answers

How large can populations theoretically be when considering inferential statistics?

Any size, regardless of rationality or existence Signup and view all the answers

Which level of measurement is used when examining the number of accidents recorded at various intersections?

Discrete measurement capturing distinct counts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the mean value?

Mean is meaningless for nominal variables Signup and view all the answers

What type of variable is represented by personal area codes?

Arbitrary label that cannot be mathematically manipulated Signup and view all the answers

Which statistical application would be used when discussing concerns of voters in local politics?

Inferential statistics Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following variables would be appropriate for calculating the average value?

Income measured in dollars Signup and view all the answers

What must be ensured when selecting statistics for a variable?

The level of measurement must justify the mathematical operations used Signup and view all the answers

What does the discrete-continuous distinction focus on?

The unit of measurement of a variable Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

1.1 Why Study Statistics?

Statistics are a crucial tool for social scientists to understand the social world.
Research, in the social sciences, involves systematically gathering information to answer questions, explore ideas, and test theories.
Data is numerical information that statistics manipulate and analyze.
Statistics help organize and manipulate data to answer questions and test theories.
Sometimes, the results of statistical analysis are also called statistics.

1.2 The Role of Statistics in Scientific Inquiry

Statistics are important tools for verifying ideas and theories.
Scientific theory and research are continually shaping each other.
A hypothesis is a statement derived from a theory concerning the relationship between variables.
Statistics are used to investigate cause and effect.
The role of statistics is important when testing theories.

1.3 The Goals of This Textbook

Statistics are tools for increasing knowledge of the social world.
This textbook emphasizes how statistical tools are applied in social sciences.
The goal is to provide a basic understanding of why statistics work and how to use them.
Students will develop statistical literacy and analysis skills.

1.4 Descriptive and Inferential Statistics

The main aim of statistics is manipulating data to answer research questions.
Descriptive statistics provide tools to summarize and describe data.
- Univariate describes the distribution of a single variable.
- Bivariate describes the relationship between two variables.
- Multivariate describes the relationship between more than two variables.
Inferential statistics involve generalizing from a sample to a larger population.

1.5 Discrete and Continuous Variables

Discrete variables have indivisible units of measurement.
- Examples: the number of people in a household, or the number of siblings.
Continuous variables can be subdivided infinitely.
- Examples: time, or temperature.

1.6 Level of Measurement

The level of measurement of variables determines the types of statistical analyses possible.
Nominal level variables only classify observations into categories. -Examples: gender, ethnicity, or region of residence.
Ordinal level variables have categories that can be ranked. -Examples: socioeconomic status, or preference scale (such as "strongly agree" to "strongly disagree").
Interval-Ratio variables have categories that can be ranked and have equal intervals. -Examples: age, height, or income.

Summary

The main purpose of statistics in social research is to organize, manipulate, and analyze data.
There are two main types of statistics: descriptive and inferential.
Statistics help us understand the relationship between variables.
The level of measurement determines the statistical operations that can be performed.
Choosing the correct statistical tool is crucial for sound research.

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