Research Methods and Data Types
8 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the correct sequence of steps in conducting a research study?

  • Stating the research question, defining the target population, defining variables, obtaining a sample, using appropriate study design, using valid statistical methods, reporting results. (correct)
  • Defining the target population, stating the research question, using appropriate study design, obtaining a sample, defining variables, reporting results, using valid statistical methods.
  • Stating the research question, defining variables, obtaining a sample, using valid statistical methods, defining the target population, using appropriate study design, reporting results.
  • Reporting results, stating the research question, using valid statistical methods, defining the target population, defining variables, obtaining a sample, using appropriate study design.

    • What differentiates a population from a sample in research?

  • A population encompasses all possible measurements, while a sample is a subset of that population. (correct)
  • A sample includes all possible measurements, while a population is a subset used for making inferences.
  • A population is a smaller group of individuals selected for study, while a sample includes all individuals within the research area.
  • A sample is always larger than a population to ensure accurate results.

    • Which type of data is represented by categories that have a natural order?

  • Nominal data.
  • Continuous data.
  • Ordinary data.
  • Ordinal data. (correct)

    • What is NOT a method used to summarize categorical data?

    <p>Box plots.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of a cross-tabulation table?

    <p>To examine the relationships between two categorical variables simultaneously.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of visual display is preferred for clarity when representing categorical data?

    <p>Bar charts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of the crime data from a study, which was the most common type of crime committed?

    <p>Stealing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of data includes countable values such as the number of patients?

    <p>Discrete data.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Research Studies

    • A research study follows a structured process, beginning with defining a research question and identifying the relevant target population.
    • Defining variables, obtaining a sample, employing an appropriate study design, using valid statistical methods, and reporting results clearly are integral parts of a research study.
    • Examples of research questions include: "What are the important factors to flatten the curve of coronavirus in Australia?"

    Population vs Sample

    • A population refers to all possible measurements within a given context, while a sample is a subset of the population.
    • Samples are used to make inferences about the broader population.

    Types of Data

    • Categorical Data: Each observation falls into one of two or more categories.
      • Nominal: Categories have no natural order (e.g., gender, ethnicity).
      • Ordinal: Categories have a natural order (e.g., disease severity: mild, moderate, severe).
    • Numerical Data: Observations take numeric values
      • Discrete: Countable values (e.g., the number of patients).
      • Continuous: Any value within a range (e.g., weight, height).

    Categorical Data Summarisation

    • Frequency Tables: Show counts or proportions in each category.
    • Contingency Tables: Examine relationships between two categorical variables and can display counts and percentages.

    Cross-Tabulation (Contingency) Tables

    • A cross-tabulation table helps analyze the relationship between two categorical variables.
    • An example is a table showing the connection between antiseptic use and patient outcome, allowing for the evaluation of antiseptic's impact.

    Visual Displays for Categorical Data

    • Bar Charts: Used for both nominal and ordinal categorical variables, bars should be presented in order of frequency for easy comparison.
    • Pie Charts: Can be used for categorical data, but bar charts are generally preferred for clarity.
    • Clustered Bar Charts: Employed to examine the association between two categorical variables.
    • An example with crime data illustrates how to use a bar chart and a clustered bar chart.

    Example with Crime Data

    • A study on prisoners in 1909 summarized crime data using a bar chart, highlighting the frequency of different crimes.
    • Stealing was the most common crime, while fraud was less common.

    Clustered Bar Charts for Two Categorical Variables

    • A clustered bar chart can be used to display the relationship between drinking status and crime type.
    • In an example, it shows a difference in crime types between drinkers and abstainers, suggesting a connection between drinking and certain crimes.

    Summary

    • Categorical data can be nominal or ordinal.
    • Frequency tables and contingency tables are used to summarize categorical data.
    • Bar charts for single categorical variables, and clustered bar charts for relationships between two categorical variables are used in graphical displays.
    • The choice of statistical methods depends on the data type, whether categorical or numerical.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Description

    This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of research studies, including the structured process of research, the distinction between population and sample, and the types of data. You will learn about categorical and numerical data, as well as their classifications. Test your understanding of these essential research methodologies.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser