Introduction to A2 research methods: We will look at the following concepts in a nut shell: Inferential tests & Significance Null hypothesis

Inferential tests These are tests that are carried out to test the statistical significance of the results. The tests you need to know are called: Mann Whitney Wilcoxin Spearmans Rho Chi-Square test These tests give you a ‘calculated value’ which is then compared to a ‘critical value’ (this is provided in a Psychology stats book). Based on this you can see if your results are significant and whether you should accept or reject your hypotheses You need to know certain information to know which test to carry out, we will look at this next year (see next slide)

Test of difference or correlation Spearman’s Rho Mann-Whitney U testWilcoxon T Chi Square At ordinal level Nominal or at least ordinal level data? Independent groups design Repeated measures/matched pairs or independent groups design?

Null hypothesis Effectively in Psychology when we analyse the data we are trying to find out if our null hypothesis can be supported or not. Null hypothesis A null hypothesis for an experiment states there will be NO difference A null hypothesis for a correlation states there will be NO correlation.

Project: Results section (analysis of data) Pages 6 & 7 in packs: Descriptive stats: – Mean and range – What do the descriptive stats show? – Graph Inferential stats: – Conduct your inferential test online Google the name of test. Input raw scores. Write down the critical value given and whether your result is significant. Write down whether you need to support or reject your alternative hypothesis. – Write conclusion based on this.