Statistical testing Flashcards
statistical testing
provides a way of determining whether hypotheses should be accepted or rejected.
Sign test
to determine whether the difference we have found is significant
- look for a difference rather than an association
- need to have used repeated measures design
- need data that is organised into categories, known as nominal data
Concept of probability
probability = 0.05 –> this is the level at which the researcher decides to accept the research hypothesis or not
If the experimental hypothesis is accepted, this means there is less than 5% probability that the results occurred by chance. –> difference found was because of the manipulation of the IV
The critical value
when statistical test has been calculated the researcher is left with a number - calculated value
This compared with a critical value to decide whether the result is significant or not
- the significance level desired
- the number of participants in the investigation
- other the hypothesis is directional or non-directional