The concept of statistics is divided into two major branches of statistical methods known as descriptive and inferential statistics. To comprehend the study as a whole statisticians recommend individuals began focusing on descriptive statistics because it provides a better understanding and smooth transition into inferential. According to descriptive statistics are commonly used to summarize or describe a group of numbers in a research study while inferential takes the idea a step further to draw conclusions and make suggestions according to the numbers in the study however providing Functions of Statistics
Statistics have a particular purpose and a list of functions in regards to not only psychology but also psychological research as well. Statistics and psychology balance out and need the other. The purpose of statistics is the reason why we have psychology; everything we know about psychology was founded by research and statistics. For example a therapist might find it difficult to develop awareness among the differences and similarities between children is there were no statistics available to help in summarizing observations.
Statistics also help inform therapist in associating and relationships between different characteristics and experiences of children whether it be sexual abuse, ADHD, gender, or age. These are all examples of why we need statistics in the research of psychology and why all of psychology is based on statistics. There are many functions of using statistics in psychology one being that they help provide a better understanding and description of a phenomenon of nature. Statistics also help with proper and efficient planning of inquiries within any field of study. Statistics help gathering appropriate quantitative data.
The Research paper on Business Research Study Of Wal-Mart’s Profitability
When first quarter results came in for Wal-Mart, the new CEO was not too happy and quickly recognized the challenges he would face as he strategized to increase sales. The results showed that profits decreased by 5% and that the future months were not looking good for the organization. Wal-Mart is the world’s largest retailer and has witnessed its fifth straight quarterly decline in U.S. sales ( ...
They also help present complex data in a diagrammatic and graphic for which helps give a clear and easy understanding of the data. They help us when research as far as observations and understanding the nature of pattern of variability of a phenomenon. Another function of statistics is that they help in drawing valid inference and also using measures of their reliability regarding the population parameters from the given sample data. Branches of Statistical Methods Statistical methods are divided into two leading classifications that psychologist’s use: descriptive statistics and inferential statistics.
According to Aron & Coups (2009) psychologists use descriptive statistics to synopsize and describe a group of numbers from a research study. The reasoning behind descriptive statistics is to formulate a cluster of numbers to be comprehended easier. In order to accomplish this, psychologists use graphs and tables to describe a group of numbers. Inferential statistics is used by psychologists to draw conclusions, and to make inferences that are based on the numbers from a research study, but that go beyond the numbers (Aron & Coups, 2009).
Descriptive is used to make a group of numbers understood easier, while inferential permits researchers to formulate implications on a group of individuals based on research studies in which a much smaller number of individuals (Aron & Coups, 2009).
Relationship between Descriptive and Inferential Statistics Statistics are actually formed into two different branches in regards to psychology. Each of these branches has its own specific goals and formulas. The first branch is descriptive statistics which refers to the analysis of data of an entire population.
The Essay on Damned Lies and Statistics: Untangling Numbers from the Media, Politicians, and Activists
This report is based upon the book “Damned Lies and Statistics: Untangling Numbers from the Media, Politicians, and Activists”, written by Joel Best and published by University of California Press in 2001. Joel Best, a professor of sociology and criminal justice at the University of Delaware, has written a highly readable treatise on statistics, and how we can become better consumers of the ...
Furthermore, descriptive statistics is when using numbers to describe a known data set. An example being population which means we are using an entire group of possible subjects as opposed to just a sample. Next is inferential statistics which has two main goals one being able to determine what might be happening within a population based on a sample of the population (an estimate) and two to determine what might happen in the future (prediction).
So with this being said the goals of inferential statistics are to estimate and to predict. For descriptive tatistics the entire use of population is needed and not just a sample of it. The aptitude to label facts is a vital quality that arises through statistical methods. Two methods that are used are descriptive and inferential statistics. After solid, dependable, and effective statistics is composed by researchers, then formulate logic of the facts in addition to making it comprehensible. Firm evidence to confident inferences may be established from observing at statistics, descriptive statistics delivers an unchallenging method to initiate a conclusion.
