Choosing A Stats Test

Question 1

What are inferential statistics and why are they important?

Answer 1

For research to be accepted by any psychological association and to be published the data MUST be statistically analysed.

Question 2

you need to consider which statistical test is used and under what circumstances, there a 3 deciding factors, name them? (hint: 3 D’s)

Answer 2

1. Difference or correlation
2. experimental Design
3. level measurement/Design

Question 3

how to know if statistical test is difference or correlation

Answer 3

this should be obvious from the wording of the hypothesis

Question 4

how to know statistical test experimental design?

Answer 4

whether it has independent groups, repeated measures or matched pairs

Question 5

how know statistical test level of measurement?

Answer 5

look at the quantitative data can divided into different level of measurement: nominal, ordinal and interval

Question 6

what is nominal data ?

Answer 6

nominal data is data in categories e.g aggressive, mon-aggressive

nominal data is dscreet, one item can only appear in one of the categories

Question 7

what is ordinal data?

Answer 7

ordinal data is data that is continuous. it can be used to represent test scores e.g in a memory test
it can also be data that is ranked. This data is NOT set in intervals.
the information can be presented in histograms/bar charts

Question 8

what is interval data?

Answer 8

is also continuous, but it represents things that are set in stone that the researcher cannot manipulate. E.g. time, weight, length, calorie content etc. E.g. a minute is always a minute and there is nothing the psychologist can do to change this

Question 9

what acronym do we use remember the criteria for choosing a test

Answer 9

Carrots Should Come Mashed With Swede Under Roast Potatoes

Question 10

whiteboard question: draw the criteria for choosing a test

Question 11

what acronym do we use to remember the criteria for choosing a statistical test?

Answer 11

Carrots Should Come Mashed With Swede Under Roast Potatoes

Question 12

whiteboard: write down the criteria for the statistical test

Answer 12

check doc

Question 13

state a test:
There is a relationship between favourite pet choice and personality type (type A, B or C)

Answer 13

Chi Square

Question 14

state a test: There is a difference in hostility rating 0-7 recorded by questionnaires based on whether a participant drives a car or not

Answer 14

Mann-Whitney

Question 15

state a test: There is difference in whether people prefer a new cereal compared to an old cereal type

Answer 15

Sign test