Statistics and Research Evaluation

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Questions and Answers

Which statistical technique measures central tendency and variance?

Correlational techniques

Inferential techniques

Comparative techniques

Descriptive techniques (correct)

What does the Pearson product moment coefficient of correlation (r) measure?

The mean of two continuous variables

The variance of a single variable

The strength of the relationship between independent and dependent variables (correct)

The demographic information of a population

Which sampling method involves participants selecting themselves to be part of the study?

Random sampling

Stratified random sampling

Convenience sampling (correct)

Snowball sampling

What is the primary purpose of inferential statistics?

To make predictions about a population based on a sample Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following software is not typically used for statistical analysis?

Microsoft Word Signup and view all the answers

What is the range of values for Pearson's correlation coefficient?

-1 to +1 Signup and view all the answers

Which statistical technique would be most appropriate to determine if there is a significant difference between the means of two groups?

Inferential techniques Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes descriptive statistics?

They summarize the characteristics of a sample. Signup and view all the answers

What is the formula for calculating effect size?

ES = (M1 – M2) / s Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following values corresponds to a small effect size?

0.2 Signup and view all the answers

When planning research, which of the following should be considered?

Alpha Signup and view all the answers

How can effect size calculations be validated when reading a research paper?

By comparing means and standard deviations Signup and view all the answers

What does a very small sample size in research typically influence?

Can lead to the influence of extreme scores Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT essential to report in the analyses of research results?

Type of statistical software used Signup and view all the answers

What role does power play in a statistical analysis?

It determines the likelihood of finding a significant result Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a research purpose statement in a traditional thesis format?

To clearly define the research purpose before the literature review Signup and view all the answers

If a study reports a power analysis was done, what does this suggest?

Consideration for sample size and effect size Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by probability in the context of equally likely events?

The chances of different events are the same. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes an independent variable?

The variable that is manipulated to observe effects Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'alpha' refer to in statistical testing?

The acceptable level of chance occurrence for a type I error. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a categorical variable?

Age Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a control variable from an extraneous variable?

Control variables are kept constant, while extraneous variables are not controlled Signup and view all the answers

What does the null hypothesis typically represent?

The assumption of no difference or relationship between variables. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to determine a critical value before conducting a statistical test?

To compare the test statistic against it and make a decision on the null hypothesis. Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a research hypothesis to be considered valid?

It must be expected results based on theory or experience and testable Signup and view all the answers

What is a null hypothesis?

A statement that asserts there are no significant differences or relationships Signup and view all the answers

What is power in the context of hypothesis testing?

The ability to correctly reject the null hypothesis when it is false. Signup and view all the answers

Why might some published papers omit operational definitions?

Both B and C Signup and view all the answers

When considering varying alpha levels, what must researchers weigh?

The potential outcomes of a type I error against the study’s benefits. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the alternative hypothesis?

To state what the researcher expects to find. Signup and view all the answers

What are delimitations in a research study?

Limitations imposed by the researcher Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred if the absolute value of the test statistic exceeds the critical value?

The null hypothesis should be rejected in favor of the alternative hypothesis. Signup and view all the answers

Which reasoning style does Sherlock Holmes primarily use?

Inductive reasoning Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of deductive reasoning as exemplified by Inspector Lindley?

Proving a specific suspect's guilt Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in conducting a literature search?

Writing the problem statement Signup and view all the answers

What method is suggested for conducting computer-aided literature searches?

Using three or more databases Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a component of a comprehensive literature review?

Annotated bibliography Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes Schmidt’s schema theory?

It responds to Adam’s closed loop theory using deductive reasoning. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to include complete and correct citations when recording literature?

To facilitate further research and verification Signup and view all the answers

What is an effective strategy to narrow or expand a literature search?

Employing Boolean operators Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Week 3 Lecture Part 2: Statistics and Research Evaluation

Probability: Equally likely events have equal chances (e.g., coin toss, die roll).
Relative frequency observes how often an event occurs within trials, typically aligning with theoretical probabilities over numerous trials.
Alpha (Type I Error): Set risk level for incorrectly rejecting the null hypothesis, often 0.05 or 0.01.
Beta (Type II Error): Probability of not rejecting a false null hypothesis; relates to the study's power.
Meaningfulness is analyzed through effect size, assessing the practical significance of findings.
Power: Probability of correctly rejecting a false null hypothesis, dependent on alpha, effect size, and sample size.

Hypothesis Testing

Null Hypothesis: Assumes no effect or relationship exists.
Alternative Hypothesis: Reflects the expected outcome, indicating a difference or relationship.
Critical Value: The threshold compared to the test statistic; if exceeded, the null hypothesis is rejected.

Reporting Statistical Results

Include the test statistic value, probability of obtaining it by chance, and effect size when presenting results.
Effect Size (ES): Standardized difference between two means, calculated as ES = (M1 – M2) / s. Classifications: 0 (no difference), 0.2 (small), 0.5 (medium), 0.8 (large).
Contextualize findings within theory and practice.

Research Planning Considerations

Gather essential information: alpha, effect size, power, and sample size.
Sample size influences significance; a large sample can show small differences as significant, while a small sample can distort results.

Reading and Analyzing Research

Sample sizes, means, and standard deviations help calculate effect sizes.
Utilize tools like Power Calculator or G*Power for power analysis estimations.

Key Considerations

Power, alpha, and sample size directly affect the likelihood of finding significant results.
Ensure accurate reporting and control for multiple comparisons and variability.

Week 3 Lecture Part 1: Statistical Concepts

Statistics interpret observations objectively, establishing significance and effect magnitude.
Types of statistics include descriptive (includes measures of central tendency and variance), correlational (explores relationships), and differences between groups.

Descriptive and Inferential Statistics

Descriptive statistics summarize the sample; inferential statistics make population inferences.
Sampling strategies: random, stratified random, voluntary, convenience, and snowball sampling.

Variables in Research

Independent Variables: Factors manipulated to observe effects (e.g., treatment type).
Dependent Variables: Outcomes measured to assess independent variable effects (e.g., body fat percentage).
Categorical Variables: Non-manipulable characteristics (e.g., age, sex).
Control Variables: Factors controlled to prevent influencing results (e.g., medication, diet).

Hypotheses in Research

Research Hypotheses: Expected outcomes based on theory; must be testable.
Null Hypotheses: No statistically significant relationships or differences expected.

Literature Review Process

Identify a clear problem statement to guide your literature search.
Use secondary sources for background and establish keywords for effective searching.
Conduct searches across multiple databases and carefully record primary source information.
Organize the literature review into an introduction, body, and conclusion, addressing critical studies.

Tutorial Notes

Required 80% attendance to complete classes.
Always prepare by reading the assigned journal article in advance.

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Description

This quiz explores key concepts in statistics and research evaluation, focusing on probability, hypothesis testing, and error types. Understand critical values, effect size, and the power of a study as you test your knowledge on these essential research methods. Put your statistical skills to the test with this comprehensive assessment.

Statistics and Research Evaluation - Week 3 Part 2