Example of Descriptive Statistics Showing an Effect

Example of Descriptive Statistics Showing No Effect

Inferential Statistics

A researcher conducts a study comparing the test scores of students who studied using flashcards versus those who used re-reading. After collecting data, she calculates the mean and standard deviation for each group and plots a histogram before running any significance tests. Why is this preliminary step valuable, even though inferential statistics are still required for a formal report?

A researcher is reviewing their data summaries before conducting inferential tests. Match each specific descriptive outcome with the primary insight it provides about the study's results.

A psychology researcher has finished collecting data for a study on how a mindfulness intervention affects stress levels. To reach a sound descriptive conclusion about 'what happened' in the study before proceeding to formal reporting, arrange these analytical steps in the correct logical sequence.

Because inferential statistics are the standard for formal reporting in psychology, a researcher is committing a methodological error if they form a preliminary judgment about a treatment's effectiveness based solely on descriptive statistics (such as means, $M$) before conducting formal significance tests ($p < .05$).

As a lead researcher, you are developing a new training protocol to ensure that junior analysts 'see what happened' in their data before jumping to significance testing. For a study comparing the effects of two different meditation techniques on heart rate, which of the following descriptive summary designs should your protocol require them to formulate?

Before conducting inferential statistics, what is the primary reason researchers must thoroughly understand their data at a descriptive level?

Before conducting inferential statistics, researchers must thoroughly understand their data at a _____ level to clearly see 'what happened' in their study.

Although formal reporting requires inferential analysis, researchers can clearly see what happened in their study and find strong preliminary evidence of a treatment's effect by reviewing ____ statistics.

A research team investigating sleep deprivation calculates the group means for a reaction time task. They observe that the sleep-deprived group was substantially slower on average ($M = 650$ ms) than the well-rested group ($M = 250$ ms). Because the team has not yet conducted an inferential statistical test, these descriptive statistics provide no evidence regarding whether sleep deprivation had an effect.

A psychology lab is reviewing data from multiple studies. To demonstrate an understanding of the role of descriptive statistics prior to formal testing, analyze each researcher's observation or action and match it to the correct methodological evaluation.