Discussion 1

Measurement Scales

Conducting psychological research generally involves collecting a large amount of data. In order to summarize and draw conclusions about the data, we must first have some knowledge about the various statistical concepts. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics are what we use to describe or summarize the data and make conclusions and predictions about a population. How variables are defined and measured is critically important in order to evaluate the validity of the research.

Instructions:

• Provide one example (your own) of each measurement scale, and provide an example (your own) of how a variable might be measured by different scales.
• Explain which of these you found most challenging to identify and why.

Your post should be at least 300 words. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ postings. Consider in your response whether you think the example provided is accurate and why. Seek out peers who shared similar examples as your own, as well as those who shared different examples from your own. Compare and contrast your rationale for your choices.

Discussion 2

Hypothesis Testing

Hypothesis testing is a method for testing a prediction or hypothesis about a measurable variable in a population. Hypothesis testing involves five steps including: stating the hypotheses, collecting data, calculating the statistics, comparing the statistical findings with a critical value, and making a decision to accept or reject the null hypothesis.

Instructions:

• Present a research topic and research question you are interested in studying and develop a null hypothesis and alternative hypothesis to answer the research question.
• Discuss whether your alternative hypothesis is directional or non-directional.
• What would be a type 1 error and type 2 error in the examples you provided? Explain how both of these could be minimized in your example.
• What do you consider to be the most challenging aspect of defining hypotheses and why?

Your post should be at least 300 words. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ postings. As you respond, consider whether you can offer additional ideas for how to reduce type 1 and type 2 errors. Given your classmates’ examples, are there ways to adapt them to be directional or non-directional and vice versa? Are there suggestions you can offer on clarifying the hypothesis?