7. RESEARCH METHODS (Interpreting inferential statistics) Flashcards
What must a researcher know in order to interpret inferential statistics correctly?
A researcher must know:
* The level of significance selected for the research.
* Whether a one-tailed or two-tailed test has been used.
* The calculated value from the statistical test.
What is the difference between the calculated value and the critical value?
- Calculated value: The number obtained from the statistical test that is compared to the critical value.
- Critical value: A number found in statistical tables that helps determine if the results are significant or not.
What does the researcher compare the calculated value to in order to determine significance?
The researcher compares the calculated value to the critical value (from a statistical table) to determine if the results are significant.
How do you remember the order of comparing calculated and critical values?
It’s easy to remember because calculated comes before critical in alphabetical order.
How do you determine which critical value to use in a statistical test?
The critical value is determined by:
1. Whether the test is one-tailed or two-tailed.
2. The number of participants in the study (N value) or degrees of freedom (df).
3. The level of significance (usually 0.05 in psychological research).
What information does the statistical table provide to help find the critical value?
The statistical table will show:
* The appropriate column based on whether the test is one-tailed or two-tailed and the significance level (p value).
* The row is determined by the number of participants (N value) or degrees of freedom (df) in the study.
How do you determine whether to use a one-tailed or two-tailed test?
- One-tailed test: Used for a directional hypothesis (when you predict the direction of the effect).
- Two-tailed test: Used for a non-directional hypothesis (when you predict an effect but not the direction).
What is the standard level of significance used in psychological research?
The standard level of significance in psychological research is p < 0.05, meaning the results are significant if there is a 5% or lower chance that they occurred by chance.
What is the relationship between the calculated value and critical value when interpreting results?
- If the calculated value is equal to or exceeds the critical value (depending on the test), the result is significant, and the null hypothesis is rejected.
- If the calculated value is less than the critical value, the result is not significant, and the null hypothesis is accepted.
What are the three criteria to use when referencing a critical value table?
- One-tailed or two-tailed test (for directional or non-directional hypotheses).
- The number of participants (N) or degrees of freedom (df).
- The level of significance (typically p < 0.05).
What does it mean if the results of a statistical test are significant?
If the results are significant, the null hypothesis is rejected, and the alternative hypothesis is accepted, indicating that there is a statistically meaningful effect or relationship.
What does it mean if the results are not significant in a statistical test?
If the results are not significant, the null hypothesis is accepted, and the alternative hypothesis is rejected, indicating that any observed effects may have been due to chance.
What is the role of statistical tables in interpreting inferential statistics?
Statistical tables help researchers determine the critical value by providing values based on the level of significance, the type of test (one-tailed or two-tailed), and either the number of participants (N) or degrees of freedom (df).
