At this point it might be a good idea to review the differences between:
- sample vs. population
- parameter vs. statistic
- descriptive statistics vs. inferential statistics
Although researchers in psychology deal with constants from time to time. We are often more interested in variables, those characteristics that take on different values for different cases.
| Note: Cases may be a) individual respondents or b) groups of people such as families and organizations or c) objects. |
There are many ways to classify variables.
- In psychological experiments, it is important to identify the independent (IV) and the dependent (DV) variables.
- Variables are sometimes classified as either qualitative or quantitative.
- Quantitative variables are further classified into either discrete or continuous.
- Variables may also be classified according to their level of measurement.
You may want to
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Statistical procedures are classified either as parametric or nonparametric.
| You may also wish view Gerard Dallal's discussion on nonparametric statistics. |
Given our time limitation, the main focus for this semester will be on parametric statistical procedures because they are more widely used in psychological research than the nonparametric procedures.
Before you end this review, it might be a good idea to refresh your memory on the following:
Below is a PPt presentation from the publishers of our book:
Click HERE (password protected) if you wish to view the downloadable handouts with notes.
Review the lesson using the the following materials from Wadsworth Cengage:
Take the graded Self Test No. 1 (ST01) now.
