Lession 1: Data Characteristics

Question 1

Dependent Variable

Answer 1

the output, outcome, or effect of interest

Question 2

Independent Variable

Answer 2

An input, which may be varied or simply observed by the researcher. Sometimes called an experimental or predictor variable.

Question 3

Nominal

Answer 3

Names, labels, Categories; Ex: Color. These are not ordered.

Question 4

Ordinal

Answer 4

Ordered Categories – need a magnitude so that they can be put on a scale [ex: range 1-10 OR agree to disagree]

Question 5

Interval

Answer 5

Each value on the scale has a unique meaning, can be rank ordered, and are equally spaced

Question 6

Ratio

Answer 6

Each value on the scale has a unique meaning, can be rank ordered, and are equally spaced AND have a minimum value of zero; ex: weight

Question 7

Continuous

Answer 7

Variables that can take on any value in a giver range; typically interval or ratio variables and sometimes ordinal variables

Question 8

Discrete

Answer 8

Variables that have a finite number of possible values; typically nominal or ordinal values

Question 9

Dichotomous Variables

Answer 9

nominal variables that fall into only two categories; ex: coin toss can be EITHER heads/tails

Question 10

Two Types of Categorical Variables

Answer 10

Nominal (distinct categories) & Ordinal (ordered categories)

Question 11

Two Types of Continuous Variables

Answer 11

Ratio (includes 0) and interval (meaningful distances)

Question 12

Only ____ variables can be described with a mean.

Answer 12

continuous

Question 13

Outcome

Answer 13

another term for dependent variable

Question 14

Predictor

Answer 14

another term for independent variable

Question 15

Nominal data is ALWAYS

Answer 15

categorical

Question 16

What is special about ordinal data

Answer 16

it can be treated either as continuous or categorical

Question 17

Does the researcher always manipulate the independent variable?

Answer 17

No; it could also just be observed.