PSY435 Analysis of Data in Research
Lead Faculty: Dr. Nicole Polen-Petit
A study of how conclusions are made on the basis of submitting research data to statistical tests. The general area is called inferential or inductive statistics. Covers methods for analyzing parametric and non-parametric data, single-group and multiple-group sources of data and data derived from one source of information and multiple sources of information.
- Define, describe or identify basic terms such as: validity, reliability, operational definitions, statistics, average, bias, criterion, decile, derived score, level of significance, sample, control, prediction, randomness, measurement scale, stratification, norms, distractors, and factor.
- Point out similarities and differences in pairs of research terms such as: observation and measurement, measurement and classification, population and sample, discrete and continuous variables, dependent and independent variables, ordinal and interval data, one percent and five percent levels of significance, and type I and type II error.
- Describe the conditions which lead to measurement.
- List the essential functions of validity check.
- Describe the functions which are served by assumptions in the decision process.
- Describe the function of such concepts as: measure of central tendency, measure of dispersion or variability, measures of correlation and tests of significance.
- List and describe the major types of data commonly used in psychology.
- Cite the strengths and weaknesses of statistical procedures.
- List and describe the procedures used for the selection of a specific statistical tool.
- Describe how to proceed to test the representativeness of a sample of a population.
- List the similarities and differences which exist in testing the reliability and validity of a research instrument.
- State of least five conditions which represent acceptable ethical standards for measurement.
- Describe each of the major approaches to psychology assessment and name at least two assessment procedures to illustrate each approach.
- Identify at least six different kinds of measuring techniques used in the behavioral sciences and give examples of each.
- List and comment briefly on the major guidelines followed in the collection and analysis of research data.
- Identify the important factors to be considered in the evaluation of a statistical procedure.
- Describe the functions of tables, figures or other graphic commonly found in a report describing test data.
- Discuss the procedures used to present a written analysis of the data in a table or figure in a test report.
- Discuss the role of correlation in a test report and describe how such correlations could be derived from data provided by a research study.
- Develop the ability to prepare an acceptable research report using statistical data.