Statistical Testing - The Sign Test

Question 1

What is Statistical Testing

Answer 1

Provides a way of determining whether hypotheses should be accepted or rejected
By using a statistical test we can find out whether differences or relationships between variables are significant

Question 2

What is the Sign Test

Answer 2

A statistical test used to analyse the difference in scores between related items
Data should be nominal or better

Question 3

What are the Conditions needed to use the Sign Test

Answer 3

Looking for a difference rather than an association

Used a repeated measures design

Data that is organised into categories (nominal data)

Question 4

What is Probability

Answer 4

The likelihood that certain events will occur

Question 5

The Critical Value

Answer 5

When the statistical test has been calculated, the researcher is left with the Calculated Value
This needs to be compared with the Critical Value to decide whether the result is significant or not

Question 6

What conditions are needed to use the Table of Critical Values

Answer 6

The significance level (generally 0.05% or 5%)

The number of participants in the investigation

Whether the hypothesis is directional or non-directional

Question 7

Simple steps for the Sign Test

Answer 7

1) Convert to Nominal Data
2) Add up pluses, Add up minuses
3) S = Less frequent sign
4) Compare calculated value of S with Critical value
If S ≤ Critical Value, the difference is significant