Chapter Checklists

As a consumer of research, you should be able to

1. Explain the difference between descriptive and inferential statistics
2. Use the four analytical steps to interpret written research findings
3. Identify if the appropriate test of difference is used with research questions and hypotheses
4. Apart from the researcher's written presentation, independently interpret research findings

As a researcher, you should be able to

1. Understand and value the role of inferential statistics in research
2. Know which assumptions of inferential statistics your research project meets and which assumptions it does not meet
3. Use the four analytical steps to interpret research findings
4. Develop a hypothesis or research question and select the appropriate statistical test of difference
5. Differentiate among the assumptions and functions of chi-squares, t-tests, and ANOVAs
6. Use a spreadsheet or statistical software program to calculate tests of differences
7. Ask for statistical help when you need it