...Descriptive and Inferential Statistics Paper Casie Thibeault PSY/315 July 27, 2013 Michelle A. Williams, PhD Descriptive and Inferential Statistics Paper The very word “statistics” seems to produce anxiety in most students - anxiety produced from its connection to mathematics. The first step in controlling anxiety is to understand the connection and just how useful statistics can be for comprehending information that has been gathered. A statistic is a representation of information, and its function is to help researchers either to organize, summarize, or understand data. The ability to describe data is essential when gathering statistics. Statistics can be broken down into two basic types: descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics are a summary of information that makes the data presented more easily understood. The descriptive method is limited to only the population in which the researcher is dealing with, and only describes that particular group (Purdue OWL, 1995-2013). Inferential statistics offers a more detailed conclusion regarding the hypothesis. A benefit of the inferential method is that it can be used to take a broader view of populations, making it possible to draw conclusions about sizeable groups of people (Purdue OWL, 1995-2013). In a nutshell, the simple way to distinguish between the two would be that descriptive statistics summarize and inferential statistics draw conclusions. Both descriptive and inferential...
Words: 1196 - Pages: 5
...Descriptive and Inferential Statistics Statistics are all-around and used in everyday life. Statistics are used to describe how effective a medication is for a certain disorder to what the most popular color is in the United States. According to Aron, Aron, and Coups, 2009, “statistics is a method of pursuing truth. As a minimum, statistics can tell you the likelihood that your hunch is true in this time and place and with these sorts of people” (p. 2). Psychologist use two branches of statistics to summarize his or her results and those are descriptive and inferential statistics. This paper will discuss the function of statistics, what descriptive and inferential statistics are, and the relationship between descriptive and inferential statistics. Statistics are used in almost every branch of study and is found behind the scenes in many of our normal daily activities. From economic to scientific studies, statistics are utilized in one way or another. Statistics are an essential part of understanding information and expanding knowledge base and is encompasses almost all aspects of enquiry ("7 Most Essential Functions Of Statistics", 2012). Statistics have many functions that we utilize;statisticsprovides for a better understanding of phenomenon of nature and helps in proper and statistical planning in all forms of study. Using statistics helps in collecting useful quantitative data and also aids in presenting difficult or confusing data in an understandable way. Statistics facilitate...
Words: 1232 - Pages: 5
...Descriptive and Inferential Statistics ________________________________________ Statistics can be broken into two basic types. The first is known as descriptive statistics. This is a set of methods to describe data that we have collected. Ex. Of 350 randomly selected people in the town of Luserna, Italy, 280 people had the last name Nicolussi. An example of descriptive statistics is the following statement : "80% of these people have the last name Nicolussi." Ex. On the last 3 Sundays, Henry D. Carsalesman sold 2, 1, and 0 new cars respectively. An example of descriptive statistics is the following statement : "Henry averaged 1 new car sold for the last 3 Sundays." These are both descriptive statements because they can actually be verified from the information provided. The second type of statistics in inferential statistics. This is a set of methods used to make a generalization, estimate, prediction or decision. Ex. Of 350 randomly selected people in the town of Luserna, Italy, 280 people had the last name Nicolussi. An example of inferential statistics is the following statement : "80% of all people living in Italy have the last name Nicolussi." We have no information about all people living in Italy, just about the 350 living in Luserna. We have taken that information and generalized it to talk about all people living in Italy. The easiest way to tell that this statement is not descriptive is by trying to verify it based upon the information provided. Ex....
Words: 2703 - Pages: 11
...Descriptive and Inferential Statistics PSY/315 Statistical Reasoning in Psychology September 21, 2013 Dr. Nancy Walker Descriptive and Inferential Statistics Statistics is “a branch of mathematics that focuses on the organization, analysis, and interpretation of a group of numbers” (Aron, Aron, & Coups, 2009, p. 2). However, just the mention of statistics makes people nervous, although when properly understood, many of the questions statistics tries to answer are very provocative and challenging. Statistics are a collection of information and, data that helps test the theory something is happening or will happen again. The functions of statistics are there to help researchers have a better understanding of a phenomenon. Statistics can be used when looking for the truth, if you have ever had a hunch about something, was it confirmed? Yes the hunch was confirmed. Statistics help researchers with data by using math and working with a group of numbers. Statistics studies variables, characteristics that have different values, values, possible number that a score can have, and score one person value of a variable (Aron, Aron, & Coups, 2009). Descriptive and inferential statistics are to evaluate results and enable one to make a conclusion. Descriptive statistics are a way to describe data (Laird Statistics, 2013), as well as to “summarize and describe a group of numbers from a research study,” whereas, inferential statistics are used to “draw conclusions and...
Words: 1507 - Pages: 7
...BSHS 435 WEEK 4 STATISTICAL ANALYSES • Student selected a peer reviewed article from the library related to human services and statistical analysis. • Student discussed statistical analyses, including the following information: • Summarize in 100 to 150 words what the research study discussed in the article is about. (Provide a complete citation for the article using proper APA format.) • Discuss in 250 to 400 words the statistical analyses within the article. o Does the article incorporate graphs or tables that facilitate understanding of the data? o Are the descriptive statistical analyses appropriate for the subject? What descriptive statistics were used in the study? o Identify the inferential statistics used and comment if the analyses supported the research problem/hypothesis. (For example, do they support the conclusions reached by the author or authors? Are the statistics misleading or biased?). • The paper is 700 to 1,050 words in length. BSHS 435 WEEK 4 STATISTICAL ANALYSES To purchase this visit here: http://mindsblow.us/question_des/BSHS435WEEK4STATISTICALANALYSES/2786 Contact us at: help@mindblows.us BSHS 435 WEEK 4 STATISTICAL ANALYSES • Student selected a peer reviewed article from the library related to human services and statistical analysis. • Student discussed statistical analyses, including the following information: • Summarize in 100 to 150 words what the research study discussed in the article is about. (Provide a complete citation for the...
Words: 1345 - Pages: 6
...format.) • Discuss in 250 to 400 words the statistical analyses within the article. o Does the article incorporate graphs or tables that facilitate understanding of the data? o Are the descriptive statistical analyses appropriate for the subject? What descriptive statistics were used in the study? o Identify the inferential statistics used and comment if the analyses supported the research problem/hypothesis. (For example, do they support the conclusions reached by the author or authors? Are the statistics misleading or biased?). • The paper is 700 to 1,050 words in length. BSHS 435 WEEK 4 STATISTICAL ANALYSES • Student selected a peer reviewed article from the library related to human services and statistical analysis. • Student discussed statistical analyses, including the following information: • Summarize in 100 to 150 words what the research study discussed in the article is about. (Provide a complete citation for the article using proper APA format.) • Discuss in 250 to 400 words the statistical analyses within the article. o Does the article incorporate graphs or tables that facilitate understanding of the data? o Are the descriptive statistical analyses appropriate for the subject? What descriptive statistics were used in the study? o Identify the inferential statistics used...
Words: 468 - Pages: 2
...| |Statistical Reasoning in Psychology | Copyright © 2010, 2009, 2006 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. Course Description This is an introductory course in applied statistics, with particular emphasis in psychology. Both descriptive and inferential statistics are included. In addition, this course provides the basic statistical background and understanding needed. Policies Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the following two documents: • University policies: You must be logged into the student website to view this document. • Instructor policies: This document is posted in the Course Materials forum. University policies are subject to change. Be sure to read the policies at the beginning of each class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities, read the policies governing your current class modality. Course Materials Aron, A., Aron, E. N., & Coups, E. (2009). Statistics for psychology (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall. All electronic materials are available on the student website. |Week One: Research Design and Statistical Terminologies...
Words: 1549 - Pages: 7
... |Statistical Reasoning in Psychology | Copyright © 2012, 2010, 2006 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. Course Description This is an introductory course in applied statistics, with particular emphasis in psychology. Both descriptive and inferential statistics are included. In addition, this course provides the basic statistical background and understanding needed. Policies Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the following two documents: • University policies: You must be logged into the student website to view this document. • Instructor policies: This document is posted in the Course Materials forum. University policies are subject to change. Be sure to read the policies at the beginning of each class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities, read the policies governing your current class modality. Course Materials Aron, A., Aron, E. N., & Coups, E. (2009). Statistics for psychology (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. All electronic materials are available on the student website. Note: All required tasks are highlighted with individual assignments in dark red text and team...
Words: 1529 - Pages: 7
...Statistics in Business Kathleen S. Power-Davenport QNT/351 May 25, 2015 Lance Milner Statistics in Business Introduction Statistics is "the science of collecting, organizing presenting, analyzing, and interpreting data to assist in making more efficient decisions" (Lind, Marchal & Wathen, 2011). This paper will summarize the types, levels, and the role of statistics in business decision making, followed by examples of statistics in action. Types, Levels, and the Role in Business Decision Making The two categories of statistics are descriptive and inferential. Descriptive statistics is the analysis of data that describes, or summarizes the data in a meaningful way (Laerd Statistics, 2013). Business leaders can organize large amounts of data into a comprehensive format utilizing descriptive statistics. But descriptive statistics do not make conclusions about the data. An inferential statistic is calculated by taking a sample of the data from the population, and drawing a conclusion about the whole based on the small amount (Lind, Marchal & Wathen). Decision makers move forward based on a conclusion drawn from statistical inference. The data gathered for statistics is classified into four levels of measurement: nominal, ordinal, interval and ratio (Lind, Marchal & Wathen). Data at the lowest level is nominal and has a qualitative variable divided into categories or outcomes. Ordinal data is qualitative and represented by sets of labels or names...
Words: 484 - Pages: 2
...Statistics in Psychology Team B April 5, 2014 PSY/315 Nancy Walker Many people find the topic of statistics to be very difficult and a world of confusion. If asked, most would simplify statistics to being a breakdown of information using those colorful charts and graphs. This paper will give a brief introduction into the world of statistics by examining the differences between descriptive and inferential statistics, as well as, introduce some key terms that are frequently used. It will also describe the functions of statistics and describe how they are applied in the field of psychology. Having a better understanding of the various statistical functions and definitions, we will have a better opportunity at providing examples and prove that statistics is more than just colorful charts and graphs. Statistics is where a large amount of data is put together in a format that allows the viewer to understand it better. Whenever choosing an experiment that results in statistics, one would start with a hypothesis, or idea. This gives the entire process a purpose. The function of statistics appears for various reasons. When there is a large amount of data, it organizes it so that a viewer and/or a presenter can comprehend or present it easier. A way that it is organized is through charts and graphs, which shows the clarity. Another function is to show comparisons between two or more clumps of data. Statistics helps in forecasting trends and tendencies. Statistical techniques...
Words: 745 - Pages: 3
...Research, Statistics, and Psychology There are different forms involved in the study of psychology. Whether in the field of psychology or any academic field, research is necessary to further society from what it is now into what it will become in the future. Research means expanding current knowledge without progressing, stagnation occurs. Research and statistics are unique tools in psychology because the information is part of the methodology of psychology. In the field of psychology, research is what makes it possible to better understand human behavior and gives the knowledge needed to help others. Research and statistics are tracking methods that must stay accurate. Research must be conducted with precision and accountability it is of utter importance, both ethically and morally or it can lead to disastrous results. The methods of primary, secondary data and the branches of statistical methods are key factors used in research. Research is an attempt to find information in a scientific manner (Word Net,2011). By using the scientific methods the results from the research are valid, reliable, and accurate. The scientific method is a process where secondary data is compiled, analyzed, hypothesized, and tested. Using this method decreases human error and subjective thinking from having a influence on the results and interpretations (Pervez & Gronhaug, 2005). While nothing is without fault by using the scientific method of hypothesizing and testing the hypothesis decreases the...
Words: 889 - Pages: 4
...|Individual Fundamentals of |Write a 700- to 1,050-word paper describing the scientific method and the fundamentals of |Mon, 11/18/2013 |10 | |Research Paper |research. Address each of the following in your paper: |11:59 PM MST | | | | | | | | |Define the scientific method. How does it relate to human services research? | | | | | | | | | |What are the steps in the process of scientific inquiry? Why must each of these steps be | | | | |included to support the scientific method? Provide a human services research example of the | | | | |scientific method and identify each step within your example. | | | | | | | | | |Define quantitative research...
Words: 2292 - Pages: 10
...Statistics in the Workplace HCS/438 May 6, 2014 Statistics in the Workplace The healthcare setting has used research and statistics to aid in standardized care by implementing best practice measures. This is also known as evidence based practice. Statistical information that is gathered is then used to help compare present and past performance, as a guide for planning future development, appraisal of work performed by healthcare staff, hospital or clinic funding, and research (International Federation of Health Information Management Associations, 2012). The purpose of the following paper is to discuss the use of statistics within Mercy Medical Center located in Des Moines, Iowa by using examples and explanations of terms used in statistics such as descriptive and inferential statistics and the four levels of measurement. Within Mercy Medical Center, nursing care is centered around the use of evidence based research thus making it important to understand the basic use of statistics in evaluating research. Hospitals must monitor for the amount of infections which occur in various units continuously since an infection can adversly afffect a patients treatment and may possibly lead to death. One of the infections which can occur is central line acquired blood stream infections (CLABSI). The raw data that is gathered from CLABSI is an example of descriptive statistics. The term descriptive statistics is given to the analysis of data which helps to describe, show, or summarize...
Words: 938 - Pages: 4
...Business Research Terms and Concepts: Part 2 Ngoc RES351 April 8, 2015 William Khoepfer Understanding Business Research Terms and Concepts: Part 2 Businesses will always need market research and it generally falls into two different groups. Qualitative and Quantitative. Qualitative research is “Qualitative research is designed to reveal a target audience’s range of behavior and the perceptions that drive it with reference to specific topics or issues. The results of qualitative research are descriptive rather than predictive.” ("What Is Qualitative Research?” 2015). Quantitative research “is about asking people for their opinions in a structured way so that you can produce hard facts and statistics to guide you. To get reliable statistical results, it’s important to survey people in fairly large numbers and to make sure they are a representative sample of your target market.” ("What Is Quantitative Research?” 2015). There also are descriptive and statistical approach’s in this paper that will help with understand what is best for you business research. When constructing a business research there are several sampling methods that can be used. Some sampling methods would be simple random sampling, systematic sampling, cluster sampling and quota sampling and etc. The article I chose to do is called Qualitative and quantitative methods for sampling zooplankton in shallow coastal estuaries. “Many different devices are used for sampling zooplankton. Every sampler has its advantages...
Words: 1078 - Pages: 5
...Statistics in Business Kareem Kelly QNT/351 December 07, 2015 David Lantz Statistics in Business Statistics is a form of science where information learned from the collection of data. The data is involved in the application principle of quantitative interpretation and presentation for business purposes. Statistics are used for wide array of fields including business, education, marketing, economics, health, physics, sports, government, military, and many other fields. There are different types of statistics that are used for different purposes, and this paper will discuss them. Different Types and Levels of Statistics Though statistics is usually used as a general term, there are two forms of statistics, which are descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics is the analysis of data shows, describes, or summarizes data in a way that show a pattern. The second type of statistic is called inferential statistics. Inferential statistics, you are trying to reach conclusions that extend beyond the immediate data alone. For instance, we use inferential statistics to try to infer from the sample data what the population might think ("Research Methods: Inferential Statistics," 2014). There is also four level of measurements that is also involved with statistics. The four levels of measurement are ratio data, interval data, nominal data, and ordinal data. All four of the different measurements has their purpose when using statistics for research. . The Role of Statistics...
Words: 507 - Pages: 3
