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PSYCHOLOGY RESEARCH
Submitted by:
Salma Umar
Submitted to:
Dated: 16 – 01 – 2013
Psychology students are shocked or some time embraced when they are informed
that the Statistics is major subject of Psychology research. But in a very short time
when they perform these researches they accept the importance of statistics being a
psychologist. They believe that they are enabling to encounter the subject in many
of your other classes, particularly those that involve experimental design or
research methods.
First let's think about the importance of statistics in general. Statistics allows us to
make sense of and interpret a great deal of information. Consider the sheer volume of
data you encounter in a given day. How many hours did you sleep? How many students
in your class ate breakfast this morning? How many people live within a one mile radius
of your home? By using statistics, we can organize and interpret all of this information in
a meaningful way.
Secondly, think about all the claims about psychology that you encounter on a
daily basis outside of class. Magazines publish stories about the latest scientific findings,
self-help books make proclamations about different ways to approach problems, and
news reports often exaggerate or misinterpret psychology research. By understanding the
research process, including the kinds of statistical analysis that are used, you will be able
to become a wise consumer of psychology information and make better judgments of the
information that you come across.
Correlation
In correlation, the resulting number can range from 0 to +1.00 or 0 to –1.00. Where it
falls indicates the strength of the correlation. For example, to assess the correlation
between height and weight, a researcher would measure the height and weight of each of
a group of individuals and then put the numbers into a mathematical formula. This
correlation will usually turn out to be noticeable, But the correlation is far from perfect
and there are many exceptions.
As example, a researcher might assess the extent to which people's blood alcohol
content (BAC) is related to their ability to drive. The participants might be asked to drink
and then attempt to operate a driving simulator. Their BACs would then be compared
with their scores on the simulator, and the researcher might find a correlation.
Role of Statistics
For descriptive statistics such as correlation, the “mean,” or average, and some
others that will be considered in context. The purpose is to describe or summarize aspects
of behavior to understand them better.
Start by discussing your concerns with your instructor. He or she might be able to
recommend books, online tools, and on-campus resources that can be helpful. Consider
joining or forming your own study group with your classmates. Most importantly, don't
overlook the assistance that might be available at your school. Many colleges and
universities offer a math lab where students can go to receive extra help and tutoring with
any type of math course, including statistics.