Statistical Analysis in Psychology

Question 1

Measure of Central Tendency

Answer 1

• summarizing data using a single score that represents whole set of scores

-mode: most frequently occurring score

• mean: average of scores all together
• skewed: scores that lack symmetry around average value
• helps know similarity of diversity in data

Question 2

Variation

Answer 2

• range: difference between highest and lowest scores
• standard deviation: how much scores vary around the mean score

Question 3

Correlation Coefficient

Answer 3

• statistical relationship between two things
• -1.0 to +1.0, the stronger the correlation

Question 4

Frequency Distribution

Answer 4

• mostly used with histograms, measure and describe characteristics of groups
• Normal: “bell curve” most common, symmetrical, continuous distribution, no gaps between values
• Bimodal: outcome of 2 distributions shown together in one set of data (2 modes), two centers of values
• Positive Skew: tail gets lower on right, mean + median > mode
• Negative Skew: tail is lower on left, rises up, mean + median < mode

Question 5

Descriptive Statistics

Answer 5

• numerical data measures characteristics of group

Question 6

Inferential Statistics

Answer 6

• numerical data to infer from sample data about something true in population

Question 7

Informed Consent

Answer 7

giving enough info to allow participant to decide to participate

Question 8

Debriefing

Answer 8

post experimental, explaining study and deceptions

Question 9

Normal curve

Answer 9

most scores fall to mean

Question 10

Statistical Significance

Answer 10

how likely it is to obtain results occurred by chance