INTRODUCTION:
In previous assessments, you completed a literature review on the topic of grit and Big 5 personality traits. Now you will do the data analysis for a study on that topic.
Statistical analysis is an important research skill because it allows you to summarize and interpret data. This step in your research process allows you to identify patterns and relationships within the data set provided to you for your study.
OVERVIEW:
In this assessment, you will conduct a statistical analysis of data. You will review the provided data set, consider the statistical analysis to use, and conduct the statistical analysis in JASP. Once you complete the analysis, you will fill in the Research Method and Data Analysis Template [DOCX], making sure to identify the statistical test you used to analyze your data and explaining why you selected it.
PREPARATION:
Review the following document for tips and also an overview of how the assessments in this course fit together:
- Overview of the Research Project and Report [PDF].
Download the data set. Though the data set is provided in both JASP and an Excel spreadsheet, ultimately, you will need to analyze it in JASP.
- Grit Data [JASP]. You'll need to download JASP before you can open this.
- Grit Data [XLSX].
INSTRUCTIONS:
Using the Research Method and Data Analysis Template [DOCX], address the following points:
In 2–3 pages:
- State your hypotheses. A distinguished analysis will also summarize the research method you used.
- Present the demographics of your sample using descriptive statistics.
- State the statistical tests used to analyze your data and why the tests were chosen. For a distinguished analysis, also be sure to:
- Create a table to display the data from your descriptive statistical analysis of demographics.
- State your statistical findings, along with numerical representation of the data. A distinguished analysis will also state whether or not your results were statistically significant.
- Explain in plain language what your statistical findings mean and whether or not they support your hypothesis. For a distinguished analysis, also be sure to:
- Include a screenshot of your data analysis results from Excel.
- Perform the appropriate effect size calculation for your data, and for a distinguished analysis, also be sure to discuss what it means.
- Be sure to format your data in APA style.
Remember to consult the Research Method and Data Analysis scoring guide to make sure you cover all that will be assessed.
REQUIREMENTS:
Your assessment should also meet the following requirements:
- Written communication: Written communication is in professional style with correct grammar, usage, and mechanics.
- APA formatting: References and citations are formatted according to APA style and formatting.
- Length: 2–3 typed, double-spaced pages.
- Be sure to include your revised literature review and method section at the start (where indicated in the template), incorporating the feedback you have received on your prior submitted work in this course.
- Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point.
SOURCES:
- Research Methods in Psychology.
- Chapter 5, “Experimental Research.”
- Chapter 6, “Non-Experimental Research.”
- Read the section on non-experimental correlation research.
- Chapter 8, “Quasi-Experimental Research.”
- Chapters 5 and 8 provide an opportunity for you to compare experimental research with quasi-experimental research. These are two distinct types of quantitative research methods commonly used in psychology to study cause-and-effect relationships.
- Academic Writer: Method.
- Complete this tutorial to learn how to write a method section and describe participants, procedures, and research design.
JASP is an open-source project that allows you to run your statistics and create charts. As part of this assessment, you'll analyze already provided data using JASP. Familiarize yourself with JASP and its features using the following resources.
- JASP Installation and Analysis Guide.
- The one-minute video will provide you user-friendly support for statistical analysis and help with challenges.
- JASP Grit Big 5 Tutorial.
- JASP Statistical Software.
Also, your Navarro et al. textbook from PSYC-FPX3700: Statistics for Psychology, can serve as a resource that illustrates how JASP can be used to apply statistical methods in evidence-based psychology.
- Learning Statistics With JASP: A Tutorial for Psychology Students and Other Beginners.
Walkthrough Videos
You can also use Microsoft Excel to review and analyze your data. You may find the following walkthrough videos helpful as you gather and analyze data for your research project:
- Microsoft Excel – How to Use Descriptive Statistics.
- Microsoft Excel – How to Do T-Tests.
- Microsoft Excel – ANOVA.
Analysis ToolPak
Microsoft has clear instructions for obtaining their Analysis ToolPak, which may also be helpful tool for you to use in your data analysis:
- Use the Analysis ToolPak to Perform Complex Data Analysis.
GRADING COMPETENCIES:
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:
- Competency 2: Design research that controls for variations in behavior related to individual differences.
- State your hypotheses.
- Present the demographics of your sample.
- Competency 4: Analyze data to address a research question.
- State the statistical tests used to analyze data and why the tests were chosen.
- State your statistical findings, along with numerical representation of the data.
- Explain in plain language what your statistical findings mean and whether or not they support your hypothesis.
- Perform the appropriate effect size calculation for your data.
- Competency 5: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for professionals in the field of psychology.
- Use APA style for data and paper formatting with only minor errors.
- Address assessment purpose in a well-organized text, incorporating appropriate evidence and tone in grammatically sound sentences.