Unit 1: Getting Started with Research and Statistics

After this module, you will be able to…Define the term statistics Describe the role of statistics in the research process Define, use, and give examples of research concepts: Define descriptive and inferential statistics Demonstrate introductory skill with Excel Identify research-based reports Identify the primary variables studiedIdentify the values or attributes comparedIdentify the sample and its population

Review for this unitNothing! In future units, a slide will highlight which skills from previous units you need for the current one.

Empirical research begins with a question or hypothesis: something is unknown.Begins with a hypothesis about a topic

Scientific procedures are used to define variables and collect data.Figure out what to measureand how

Scientific procedures are used to see if patterns can be observed in the data.Statistics isthe most commonlyused type of analysis

There may not be patterns in the data, or they may not support the hypothesis.Decide if the hypothesis is supported or not

The patterns in these data are interpreted in light of what else is known.How does your study fit what is known already?

Each study creates new knowledge, and often raises new questions to study.What new questions do you have now?

Statistics in the research processStatistical analysis is planned along with the data collection procedures so that they match.Statistics provides the techniques for organizing, summarizing, and analyzing data (Descriptive)Statistics creates criteria for deciding whether hypothesis is supported or not (Inferential)Numbers alone never create meaning: a human mind must interpret them.

Excel and computersData analysis without computers was tedious and prone to error.Less research was done because of costComputers can do the number crunching for usA human brain must direct the computerExcel is commonly available and powerful

Unit 1: Getting Started with Research and Statistics