stat101

• What is measurement?

  Determining the value of a variable
• How does the measurement system affect data interpretation?

  It influences how values are assigned to categories
• What are the four levels of measurement?

  Nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio
• Why is it important to know the level of measurement used?

  It aids in interpreting variable values
• What is the significance of the ratio level of measurement?

  It allows for all arithmetic operations on data
• What are the properties of the ratio level of measurement?

  • Classifies into distinct, nonoverlapping categories
  • Arranges categories according to magnitude
  • Has a fixed unit of measurement
  • Contains an absolute zero
• What does an absolute zero in the ratio level indicate?

  It indicates the absence of the characteristic measured
• How does the arrangement of categories affect interpretation in measurement?

  It shows the relationship of values to the characteristic
• What is the difference between the interval and ratio levels of measurement?

  Interval has no absolute zero, ratio does
• What are the properties of the interval level of measurement?

  • Classifies into distinct, nonoverlapping categories
  • Arranges categories according to magnitude
  • Has a fixed unit of measurement
• What is the ordinal level of measurement?

  It classifies and arranges categories by magnitude
• Why can't we interpret differences between numbers in ordinal measurement?

  There is no fixed unit of measure throughout the scale
• What is the nominal level of measurement?

  It classifies objects into distinct categories
• Why is the nominal level considered the weakest level of measurement?

  It has no meaning for magnitudes or differences
• What are the methods of data collection?

  • Use of documented data
  • Survey
  • Experiment
  • Observation
• Why might researchers prefer using documented data?

  It is often more practical and cost-effective
• What are the sources of documented data?

  • Previous studies
  • Written reports
  • Periodicals
  • Unpublished documents
• What is the difference between primary and secondary sources of documented data?

  Primary sources collect data themselves; secondary do not
• What is primary data?

  Data documented by the primary source
• What is secondary data?

  Data documented by a secondary source
• Why should researchers exercise caution when using secondary data?

  It may lack vital information for assessment
• What is a survey?

  • Method of collecting data
  • Involves asking people questions
  • Can be a census or sample survey
• What is a census in data collection?

  Asking all people in the population
• Who are the respondents in a survey?

  People who answer the survey questions
• What are the methods of communication in surveys?

  • Personal interviews
  • Telephone interviews
  • Self-administered questionnaires
• What is the purpose of the information provided for researchers?

  To assess data quality and viability
• What is a survey?

  A method of collecting data through questions
• What is a census in research?

  Asking all people in the population
• What is a sample survey?

  Asking a sample from a defined population
• Who are the respondents in a survey?

  The people who answer the survey questions
• What are the methods of communication for data collection?

  • Personal Interview
  • Telephone Interview
  • Self-administered Questionnaire
  • Online Surveys
  • Focus Group Discussion
• What is the role of interviewers in data collection?

  They ask and record respondents' answers
• What are the factors to consider in data collection methods?

  • Cost
  • Speed
  • Response Rate
  • Geographic flexibility
  • Interviewer bias
  • Interviewer supervision
  • Quality of response
  • Type of information
• What is an experiment in data collection?

  Direct human intervention on conditions affecting variables
• What are the steps in conducting an experiment?

  1. Specify response and explanatory variables
  2. Identify extraneous variables
  3. Control extraneous variables
  4. Randomly assign treatment
  5. Measure response variable
  6. Analyze the data
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of experiments?

  Advantages:

  • Establish cause-and-effect
  • Controlled conditions

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Ethical limitations
  • Reliability of generalizations
• What is the observation method in data collection?

  Recording observations of phenomena as they happen
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of the observation method?

  Advantages:

  • Useful for nonverbal behavior
  • Realistic data from natural settings

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Subjective perceptions
  • Limited to observable factors
• What is the difference between structured and unstructured observation?

  • Structured: Rigorous plan and formal instruments
  • Unstructured: Flexible and adaptable study plans
• What is the difference between participant and nonparticipant observation?

  • Participant: Observer joins the group
  • Nonparticipant: Observer observes from outside