Statistics for the Behavioural Sciences Paper Example

a) Define a one sample t-test

It determines whether the sample average of a group statistically varies from the hypothesized or known population mean. Like other independent-T-Test, the one sample t-test compares the group mean to a single value (Gravetter, & Wallnau, 2016). It is a parameter test for a test known as the single-sample test. In one sample t-test, the variable used is referred to as the test variable which is compared to a test-value. The test value is a hypothesized or known value of the average in the population.

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b) Write the syntax (what is the code that you use in SPSS for a one-sample t-test?).

T-test

/test Val =Test value

/Missing =Analysis

/Variable= Independent variable that is compared with the mean

/Criteria=CI (0.95)

If p significant value is less than 0.5, then the null hypothesis is rejected.

2. This question is about peer-reviewed research.

a) Describe the purpose of a peer-reviewed research article.

Peer-reviewed research articles are written by experts in professional and academic fields. The articles are also reviewed by the board of reviewer to ensure that the articles are of high quality. The article must follow all writing guidelines, be scientifically valid and reach reasonable conclusions. The purpose of reviewing the articles before publishing is to avoid dissemination of unwarranted claims, personal views, irreverent findings and unacceptable interpretations

b) What are the different components of the peer-reviewed abstract?

Many authors have structured abstract of their work which makes it appealing when a reader is searching for information. It also allows for easier and faster access by the reader. The following are the different component of an abstract:

• Background- the author gives background information of what previous work or studies have analyzed about a given topic.
• Purpose-the abstract must outline the aim of the study
• Method- the abstract explains the method used to collect and analyses data. The size of population must also be stated.
• Results- The results of the findings of the study are also outlined in the abstract so that readers get them fast.
• Conclusions -it shows if the findings support that there is a correlation between the variables or not.
• Recommendation- the abstract offer suggestions for future studies.

3. This question is about formulating a research question.

a. Write a research question in which you state a relationship between two variables.

Does peer influence play a role in male juvenile delinquency?

The two variables in this research question are peer influence and male juvenile delinquency. The research would be carried out on males' juvenile delinquency and test whether an increase in peer relationship leads to increase in male delinquencies. The study population would be those below 18 years because they are the most influenced to commit crimes.

b. Write a hypothesis based on your research question.

H0: There is no statistically significant relationship between peer influence and male juvenile delinquency.

H1: There is a statistically significant relationship between peer influence and male juvenile delinquency.

When the p significant value after using SPSS is less than 0.5, then the null hypothesis is rejected.

4. Describe the purpose of qualitative fieldwork.

The primary objective of qualitative fieldwork is to gain an understanding of underlying motivations, opinions, and reasons. It uncovers trends in opinions, thoughts and gives a clear picture of a problem facing a community. The work offer insights into the problem and aid in the development of hypothesis for future quantitative research (Gravetter, & Wallnau, 2016).

Qualitative fieldwork enables the researchers to make sense of reality, explain the social world and develop theories and models that can explain social situations. Theoretical social sciences are derived from the information the researchers collected from the field. There are various methods used to collect data in the field such as individual or group interviews, observation and participation.

5. Describe three ways to create a good questionnaire.

Define the goals of the study to figure out what answers you want from the respondents. By Work backwards one determine the data he or she aims to collect from the survey. Conduct a test drive by sending the survey to colleagues or friends for a test run (Gravetter, & Wallnau, 2016). The test drive helps the researcher to realise any mistakes with the questionnaire and if it results in the intended data.

The second way is by the language to use while creating the questionnaire. The respondent should be familiar with the language used in the questionnaire. In fact, to create a good questionnaire, the researcher should use the respondents' language so that they can understand easily. The questions should be simple and easy to understand. One idea should be asked at a time to avoid confusion. Choose balanced questions that do not bias the respondent toward one answer (Gravetter, & Wallnau, 2016).

The questionnaire should be short because people get tired and bored of completing long questions. The questions should target the intended group. To improve the survey response rates, the researcher should offer incentives to make sure that the complete respondent questionnaire.

6. Define independent variable

It is a variable whose variation is not affected by other factors in a study. Independent variable is often denoted by (x). The experimenter manipulates the independent variable to determine the changes in the dependent variable.

For example in a study to test for the effect of peer influence on male juvenile delinquency, the independent variable is peer influence.

7. Define dependent variables

In an experiment, an independent variable is a variable being measured or tested. When changes are applied to the independent variables, they cause variation to the dependent variable. For example in a study to measure the effect of dark and light on the moths' behaviours, the reaction of moths is the dependent variable.

8. Describe probability sampling for selecting research participants

Probability sampling is a method of selecting participants in a way that a sample represents the entire population. It enhances the likelihood of attaining samples that are representative of the population. The samples provide credible and valid results because they depict the features of the whole population from which they were obtained. For example, students in a high school, residents in a particular tribe (Gravetter, & Wallnau, 2016).

The two types of probability samples include a stratified and random sample. Each person in the population has an equal chance of being selected in a random sampling. This type of sampling assumes that all the population is represented in any given sources, for example, voter register and telephone books. The second type of sampling is stratified sampling where the study population is sub-divided into subgroups with similar characteristics such as social class, gender, and religion.

9.

Julie was recently diagnosed with a severe medical condition. The treatment for her medical condition is not known, but researchers are working hard to discover a cure. Julie's doctor recommended that she participate in medical research. If she participates in the study, it is possible that she may receive the life-saving medicine or she may receive a placebo (a fake medication). Based on this scenario/situation, you are asked to create an informed consent. Your answer should include all of the required elements for informed consent.

An informed consent

PURPOSE OF STUDY

Each effort in a medical study carried out in this institution is highly appreciated. It is essential for anyone taking part to understand what the purpose of the study before taking any decision. Everybody is free to ask the researcher for more information.

Title: The purpose of this study is to come up with the right medication to treat a severe illness

Study procedures: The participants will be subjected to two types of medications, either the right medication or the placebo. The medication will take two months, and the participants are requested to report to the hospital after two weeks for monitoring. The participants will be tested if the medication worked or not after two months.

Risks: The risks in this study include the placebo medication which may deteriorate the health status of the recipient. (Participants are free to withdraw)

Benefits: If the participants receive the right medication, it may cure their illness at no cost.

Confidentiality: The survey will regard the participants in numbers and, therefore no one will be able to reveal their status (Lindorff, 2010).

Compensation: if a participant is severely affected by the medication or the placebo, the hospital will treat them at no costs.

Voluntary participation consent: The participant should sign below after to confirm that he or she agrees with the conditions and voluntarily agree to participate and withdraw anytime he or she wishes

Participant's signature ______________________________ Date __________

Investigator's signature _____________________________ Date __________

Please answer the next question based on this scenario/situation:

10.

The Mayor of the Town of Windsor would like to conduct a town-wide research study. He assembles a team of researchers to help him. His team goes door-to-door, and anyone is living in the home must fill out the questionnaires. The researchers have a flyer with necessary information. The information states that the purpose is for research. The Mayor needs to research the community to provide more resources for everyone living there. Each person in the house must participate in the research. The researcher's tell the residents that it will only take a few minutes. If anyone refuses to participate, they will have to pay a fine. Describe whether or not you agree that the basic ethic principles of research are being upheld? Please provide details and think about the fundamental ethical principles of research in your answer.

Voluntary participation is one of the basic ethic principals that must be upheld when conducting research. The principle requires that individuals not be forced into partaking in research. The Mayor of the Town of Windsor research is against the ethical principles by fining anyone who refuses to participate in the study. People should freely volunteer to participate in a study, and no one should be fined if he declines (Lindorff, 2010). The researcher does not provide truly informed consent because they lie to the participants that the questions would take few minutes but they take longer to complete than the states minutes.

References

Lindorff, M. (2010). Ethics, Ethical Human Research and Human Research Ethics Committees. Australian Universities' Review, 52(1), 51-59.

Gravetter, F. J., & Wallnau, L. B. (2016). Statistics for the behavioural sciences. Cengage Learning.