profit organizations ): statistical analysis W r i t i n g

Applying Basic Statistical Tests to a Research Scenario

For statistical analysis purposes, we can simplify Stevens’s four levels of measurement into two:

• Nominal variable (often referred to as categorical): Political affiliation is an example of a nominal variable, and could be measured as 1 (Republican), 2 (Democrat), and 3 (Independent). The mean, or average, of political affiliation has no meaning.
• Metric variable (often referred to as scale variable, which includes ordinal, interval, and ratio): Political philosophy is an example of a metric variable when measured on a Likert-type scale of 1 (very conservative), 2 (conservative), 3 (liberal), and 4 (very liberal). The mean, or average, of political philosophy does have meaning.

Basic statistical analyses can be categorized as mean difference, correlation, and association. The Statistical Analysis Decision Table, in this week’s Learning Resources, will help in the selection of an appropriate analysis procedure, which will be the focus of the Discussion. Specifically, you will select an appropriate statistical analysis for your quantitative scenario.

To Prepare

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• You will expand on your week 6 discussion by adding in a “Statistical Analysis” portion to the bottom.
• Review the lead-in for the Discussion and this week’s Learning Resources. Pay particular attention to the levels of measurement (categorical or metric) associated with variables in different types of statistical tests.
• Review your quantitative scenario developed to date.
• Using the Statistical Analysis Decision Table, in this week’s Learning Resources, determine which statistical test you would use given the level of measurement (categorical or metric) of each variable.
• Alignment of scenario elements is important. See the Examples of Aligned and Misaligned Scenarios document, which can be downloaded from the Week 7 Learning Resources area of the classroom.
• Discussion posts are pass/fail but have minimum criteria to pass. See the Discussion Rubric to ensure you understand the pass/fail criteria.

By Day 3

This week is only about the quantitative scenario. Repost, or build on or refine as needed, your quantitative scenario using the following headings and according to the italicized instructions given for each element:

Add this portion to your previous post discussing your quantitative scenario (reducing Turn-Over rates in non-profit organizations):

Statistical Analysis: Describe and defend a specific statistical procedure you would use to answer the research question.

Note: Use proper APA format. If helpful, support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.