Deck 19: Choosing the Right Statistics

Question 1

Students should be able to identify the appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics for data from each data structure, each scale of measurement, and each type of research study.

Answer 1

It is unlikely that students will memorize the complete set of statistical techniques.However, they should be able to use the resources in Chapter 19, particularly the flow charts in Figures 19.1, 19.2, and 19.3, to locate the appropriate statistical procedure.In other words, we view Chapter 19 as a review reference/resource rather than a typical chapter that presents "new" material to be learned.
Other Lecture Suggestions

Question 2

Students should recognize the differences between numerical data from interval or ratio scales and non-numerical data from nominal or ordinal scales.

Answer 2

Scales of measurement were first presented in Chapter 1 and reappear repeatedly
throughout the book.The distinction between numerical scores (ratio or interval scales)
and other scales is most important, although students should also be able to recognize
ordinal data because special statistics exist for this kind of data.

Question 3

Students should recognize the differences between data from independent-measures studies and data from repeated-measures studies.

Answer 3

Independent-measures designs were introduced in Chapters 10 and 12 and involve
comparing separate groups of scores that are obtained from separate groups of
participants.Repeated-measures designs were presented in Chapters 11 and 13 and
involve comparing separate groups of scores that are obtained from a single group of
participants.The distinction is critical for determining exactly which statistical
procedures are appropriate.

Question 4

Students should recognize the three different data structures and be able to classify a specific set of data into one of the three categories.