The Logic & Language of Statistical Analysis

Abstract

This chapter introduces the role that statistical analysis can play in helping researchers to find and build meaning from quantitative data they have gathered. It provides pathways to information for making judgments and decisions concerning what data might be conveying and what kinds of conclusions might be defensible to draw with respect to research questions and hypotheses. Throughout this book you will be exposed to various concepts specific to the field of statistics. When you read the published research of other researchers or other types of statistics texts, you will invariably encounter one or more of these concepts. It is well-known that unclear, confusing or ambiguous language can interfere with learning, making it much harder than it needs to be. My goal is to help negate such interference. We know that such language can provide a barrier to learning, so the goal here is to demystify that language in preparation for the journey ahead. Accordingly, this chapter also provides an annotated glossary focusing on the language of statistics. For some concepts, other important related concepts in the section are identified for easy cross-referencing purposes.