Last semester, I completed my first academic research. While it was a new process to me, it was a very rewarding process. This semester, we used the data we collected last semester to learn how to complete statistical analyses. Before this class, I had completed basic statistics. But it had no meaning to me. I was just working through the problems, using my notes to get the homework problems done. However, in this course I learned about the importance of statistical analysis and the conclusions that can be made from the statistics produced.
To begin, I learned about the statistical analysis software programs SPSS and R. I learned how to input data and how to recode specific variables. This provided the foundation for the rest of the course work. I then learned about descriptive statistics, including measures of central tendency, variability, probability, and confidence intervals. These helped to gain a general understanding of the data and variables being examined. After understanding the descriptive statistics, I began to learn about the statistical tests that would allow me to compare variables to one another.
The statistical analysis I learned were a t-test, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Chi-Squared test, Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient, and OLS Regression (only in R). The t-test and ANOVA are used to compare the means of different levels of the independent variable. A Chi-Squared test is also comparing levels of an independent variable, but it uses categories rather than means. A Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient is used to compare to continuous variables and connect the relationship. It can be used to say how the independent variable predicts the dependent variable. Finally, an OLS Regression is used to estimate the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. It helps us see how much the dependent variable changes as the independent variable changes. After learning each test, I also learned how to interpret the findings to determine if each statistic was significant or not. If a test statistic was significant, that means it was generalizable to a population.
Throughout the course, I was forced to be organized. I created a manual that includes how to calculate each statistic and how to interpret the results for each test. I had to keep each test separate and keep it organized so that I can read it, and others can read it and understand how to conduct the analysis. With all the statistical tests and analyses I learned; I will be able to use this information in the future. In future research classes I will take, I will have a basis and guide on how to complete different analyses. Additionally, I learned how to interpret the results and the different findings and calculations produced from the analyses. I better understand the results that are presented in journal articles. Now I understand what the different statistics mean and how those apply to the overall population and dataset.
In a larger context, research is required to gain more insight into different areas of social life. I now have capabilities to use the data collected to analyze the data and interpret the findings. From all the knowledge acquired throughout the semester, I can apply this to what I will learn in the future. As I explore new topics and read new research, I better understand what the statistics and values mean. I feel more confident in my abilities to use analytical thinking and interpretation of statistical calcuations.