Problem
Analyzing and Interpreting Data in a Quantitative Study
If your criminal justice research involves quantitative data then you will probably integrate some sort of statistical analysis. You will be able to gain a clearer understanding of your various statistics and statistical procedures by putting them in research reports. Utilizing the guidance on pages 338-339 of your text, clarify which quantitative statistical analysis will be most appropriate for your study. Answer each of the 7 questions completely. Then explain your plan in full detail and provide references.
Below are the 7 questions:
Checklist Choosing Statistical Procedures
Characteristics of the Data
I. Are the data continuous or discrete?
II. What scale do the data reflect? Are they nominal, ordinal, interval, or ratio?
III. What do you want to do with the data?
i. Calculate central tendency? If so, with which statistic?
ii. Calculate variability? If so, with which statistic?
iii. Calculate correlation? If so, with which statistic?
iv. Estimate population parameters? If so, which ones?
v. Test a null hypothesis? If so, at what confidence level?
vi. Other? (specify)
IV. State your rationale for processing the data as you have just indicated you intend to do.
Interpretation of the Data
V. After you have statistically analyzed your data, what information will you then have?
VI. From a research standpoint, what will your interpretation of the data entail? How will the statistical analyses help you address some or all of your research problem?
VII. Will some of your data be inappropriate for statistical analysis? If so, how might you analyze and interpret them?