inferential testing

• What part of research methods do students often dread?

  Inferential statistics
• Why are statistics questions valuable in exams?

  They offer high points for little writing
• What is the only statistical test students need to calculate for AQA?

  The sign test
• What do students need to know about the other seven tests?

  Only their names and when to use them
• What is the purpose of inferential statistics?

  • Generalizes results from a sample
  • Makes inferences about the target population
  • Assesses confidence in data supporting inferences
• What probability indicates significant results?

  p is less than 0.05
• What do researchers use to determine if results are significant?

  Statistical tests
• What is the first step in deciding which statistical test to use?

  Identify if the study is a correlation or test of difference
• What indicates a correlation in research terminology?

  Words like correlation, relationship, or association
• What does a test of difference imply in research?

  It tests for differences in the dependent variable
• What type of data is collected in independent groups design?

  Independent data
• How is related data defined in repeated measures design?

  Each data point has a related counterpart
• What is the level of measurement for nominal data?

  Categories or no order
• How is ratio data treated in statistical tests?

  As interval data
• What are the levels of measurement in statistics?

  • Nominal: categories, no order
  • Ordinal: ordered data
  • Interval: equal differences between data points
  • Ratio: same as interval data
• What is a good strategy for memorizing statistical tests?

  Create a mnemonic phrase
• What does the mnemonic "space weather really contains many UFOs chasing small pigs" represent?

  The first letters of statistical tests
• What statistical test is used for correlational studies?

  Spearman's rank or Pearson's
• What is the significance of the critical value table?

  It helps determine if results are significant
• What is the formula for degrees of freedom in chi-square tests?

  Rows - 1 times columns - 1
• What is the first step in calculating the sign test?

  Subtract scores from condition B from condition A
• What does 'n' represent in the sign test?

  Number of participants with differences
• What does 's' represent in the sign test?

  Least frequent sign among differences
• How do you determine if the data is significant using the sign test?

  Compare calculated value to critical value
• What must be true for data to be significant in the sign test?

  Calculated value must be less than critical value
• What is the outcome if the calculated value is greater than the critical value?

  Data is not significant
• What steps should be followed to answer a statistical significance question?

  1. Identify the calculated value
  2. Find the critical value
  3. Compare calculated value to critical value
  4. State significance conclusion
• What is the critical value for a one-tailed test at p = 0.05?

  0.05 for one-tailed tests
• What does a directional hypothesis imply?

  It predicts a specific direction of effect
• What is the formula for calculating degrees of freedom?

  Rows - 1 times columns - 1
• What is the significance of the sample size in the sign test?

  Affects the calculated value and significance
• What is the main purpose of the sign test?

  To test for differences in related data
• What are the key components of the sign test process?

  • Subtract scores from conditions
  • Record signs of differences
  • Count n and s values
  • Compare s to critical value
• What is the significance of the number of participants in the sign test?

  It determines the critical value
• How does increasing sample size affect the sign test?

  It can increase the likelihood of significance
• What is the role of the critical value table?

  To determine significance based on calculated values
• What should you do if the calculated value is equal to the critical value?

  Data is significant
• How can you maximize marks when answering statistical questions?

  Contextualize your response with details
• What is the significance of the null hypothesis in the sign test?

  It is accepted if data is not significant
• What is the relationship between the alternate and null hypothesis?

  They are opposites in statistical testing