Deck 1: Introduction to Statistical Analysis

Question 1

If we utilize even the most sophisticated statistical tests, can we ever be 100% certain that our results reflect reality?
Yes or no? Why or why not?

Answer 1

No. Some degree of error is inevitable.

Question 2

What two factors influence the degree of error?

Answer 2

a. Accuracy of our statistical instruments used.
b. Sample size (the larger the sample the smaller the error).

Question 3

What are we referring to if we ask, "Are we measuring what we intend to measure?"

A) Validity.
B) Reliability.

Answer 3

Validity.

Question 4

What do we call a variable that has an impact on the outcome of another variable?

A) Independent variable.
B) Dependent variable.

Question 5

We are interested in the relationship between "number of hours watching TV" and "criminal behavior." Indicate which variable is independent and which variable is dependent. Explain.

Question 6

We want to examine whether one's "gender" (male/female/transgender) is somehow related to "attitudes toward the criminal justice system." Indicate which variable is independent and which variable is dependent. Explain.

Question 7

We are also eager to find whether there is a relationship between a "problematic drug habit" and "incarceration." Indicate which variable is independent and which variable is dependent. Explain.

Question 8

Finally, you want to examine whether there is a relationship between "traffic stops" and "race/ethnicity." Indicate which variable is independent and which variable is dependent. Explain.

Question 9

Why is it important, even crucial, to know what the levels of measurement for each of the variables in any study are?

Question 10

What is the difference between nominal- and ordinal-level variables? Provide an example for both.

Question 11

What is the difference between interval- and ratio-level variables? Provide an example for both.

Question 12

Indicate the level of measurement for the following:
a. Gender.
b. IQ score.
c. Level of education (some high school, high school graduate, some college/university, Bachelor's degree, Master's Degree, PhD).
d. Temperature.
e. Country of origin.
f. Age (1, 2, 3, . . . , 99, . . .).
g. Age (0-18; 19-28; 29-38; 39-48).
h. Eye color.
i. Number of times arrested.
j. Income.

Question 13

You conducted a survey on citizen's satisfaction with the local police utilizing a random sample of residents. To measure citizen's satisfaction you utilized a scale between 1 and 15 (15 indicating the highest level of satisfaction). Indicate the level of measurement and explain.