1.4 Analysing and Evaluating Research

• Normally distributed - when it has the shape of a bell curve
• Skewed - when the curve is not symmetrical
• Positively skewed - tail is longer on the right
• Negatively skewed - tail is longer on the left

The average set of scores calculated by adding all the scores in the data set and then dividing the total number of scores in the set

The middle score in the data, calculated by arranging scores from highest to lowest and selecting the middle number

The most frequently occurring score

A measure of variability that the average deviation (distance of data points) are from the mean

• Large standard deviation - high variability and large average distance from mean
• Small standard deviation - low variability and small average distance from mean

You calculate percentage by dividing the number of the subset by the total number then multiplying the result by 100

The percentage change is the difference between the percentages of an experimental and control group

The value or range of values that would be found if a quantity could be measured perfectly

The accuracy of a measurement means how close it is to the true value of the quantity being measured

Precision refers to how close a set of measurement values are to one another

Repeatability is the closeness of results of measurements of the same quantity being measured, carried out under the same conditions of measurement

Reproducibility is the closeness of results of measurements of the same quantity being measured, carried out under changed conditions of measurement

How appropriate the investigation design, sampling and participant allocation is and whether there are extraneous or confounding variables affecting the results

Whether the results of the research can be applied to similar individuals in a different setting

Random errors – Unpredictable variations during measurement. This can be caused by limitations of instruments, environmental factors and slight variations in procedures.

Systematic errors – Affect the accuracy of a measurement by causing all of the readings to differ from the true value. This can be caused by observational error.

Personal errors – Personal errors are mistakes, miscalculations and observer errors when conducting research. These are not included in the research.

Data points that differ substantially from the rest of the collected data

The number of participants or observations included in a study

• Participants (their characteristics)
• Small sample size
• Time constraints
• Inability to control EV’s

• Beneficence
• Integrity
• Justice
• Non-maleficence
• Respect

Acting with honesty and transparency

Giving due regard to individual difference and ensuring the right to choice and to act on individual values and interests

Having a commitment to do good

Avoiding harm or ensuring potential harm is outweighed by benefits

Ensuring fair distribution of benefits, risks, costs and resources

• Confidentiality
• Debriefing
• Informed consent procedures
• Use of deception in research
• Voluntary participation
• Withdrawal rights

Ensuring privacy of participants' personal information

After the experiment, disclosing the aim, results and conclusions, answering questions and providing support

Ensuring participants understand the nature, purpose and risks of the study before agreeing to participate

Concealing aspects of the study (only used when absolutely necessary and must be accompanied by debriefing)

Ensuring there is no coercion or pressure to participate

Allowing participants to discontinue involvement in an experiment, without penalty