Chapter 5 Flashcards
Measurement
is the assignment of numbers to indicate different values of a variable.
Measures
are specific techniques or instruments used for measurement.
Evaluation
is the procedures for collecting information and using information to make decisions. Evaluation involves measurement, but may also involve sampling, design, and literature in the process of coming to a decision.
The purpose of measurement is _________________________________.
to obtain information about the variables that are being studied. It provides a systematic procedure for recording observations, performance, or other responses of subjects
Operational Definitions
Definitions of variables that specify how they were measured
Assessment
- assess is to measure
2. an assessment is synonymous with an evaluation
Nominal (Classificatory) Scale
A set of mutually exclusive categories with no order implied.
Ordinal Scale
A set of rank-ordered categories.
Interval Scale
Equal intervals between numbers
Ratio Scale
Numbers expressed as ratios
What is the following an example of?
The operators equal and not equal are allowed.
example of nominal scale
What is the following an example of?
The operators greater than, less than, equal, and not equal (and all their combinations) are allowed.
example of ordinal scale
What is the following an example of?
Fahrenheit and Celsius
example of interval scale
What is the following an example of?
Length and Kelvin temperature
example of ratio scale
Statistics
Mathematical procedures used to summarize and analyze data.
Descriptive Statistics
Indices that summarize characteristics of sample data.
Statistics
describe sample data
Parameters
describe population data
Frequency Distribution
Data organized into scores and the frequency with which each score occurred
Frequency Polygon
A line graph with frequency along the y-axis and score along the x-axis.
Histogram
A bar graph with the same characteristics as a frequency polygon
Normal Distribution
A frequency distribution with a characteristic bell shape. It is symmetrical.
Skewed Distribution
A non-symmetric distribution.
positively skewed
Occurs when most of the scores are at the low end of the distribution
negatively skewed
Occurs when most of the scores are at the high end of the distribution
Outliers
Atypical scores that are either extremely high or low
Histogram
Histograms use bars to represent frequency. The bars touch, and histograms are used for interval and ratio independent variables.