Deck 12: Data Analysis

Question 1

Differentiate between differential and inferential statistics.

Answer 1

Descriptive statistics are used to provide summaries about the sample that was used and the measures used to describe that sample. Descriptive statistics merely describe what the collected data show. By contrast, inferential statistics allow the researcher to draw conclusions that reach far beyond a cursory examination of the data. Inferential statistics typically are used either to estimate the probability that statistics found in the sample are an accurate reflection of a parameter in the population or to test hypotheses that have been developed about a population.

Question 2

Explain primary conditions that must be satisfied in order for the researcher to make inferences about a population from a sample.

Answer 2

In order for the researcher to make inferences about a population from a sample, the sample must be representative of the larger population. Another requirement for the development of inferences is the interval level of measurement. This is necessary because of the mathematics operations involved in inferential statistics.

Question 3

Descriptive statistics used in univariate analysis include distribution, which refers to:

A) A measurement of the average of a group of values
B) A summary of how often values appear for a variable
C) The score that occurs most frequently in a set of values
D) The score that is exactly in the middle of a group of values

Answer 3

B
Explanation: Distribution refers to a summary of how often values appear for a variable. Central tendency, which is an estimation of the center point of a distribution of values, includes three measures: (1) mean, which is the average of a group of values; (2) median, which is the score that is exactly in the middle of a group of values; and (3) mode, which is the score that occurs most frequently in a set of values.

Question 4

Explain range and standard deviation as measures of dispersion.

Question 5

When using descriptive statistics, which level of measurement involves ranking objects or events on a scale with equal intervals between the numbers on the scale and the presence of an absolute zero?

A) Nominal
B) Ordinal
C) Interval
D) Ratio

Question 6

Which inferential statistical test is used to examine the relationship that exists between two or more variables?

A) The t-test
B) Chi-square
C) Analysis of variance (ANOVA)
D) Pearson correlation coefficient

Question 7

Summarize the functions of memoing as a precursor to qualitative data analysis.

Question 8

Differentiate between a priori and inductive codes.

Question 9

Explain narrative analysis as a technique for analyzing qualitative data.

Question 10

Summarize thematic analysis as a technique for analyzing qualitative data.