Leveraging Statistics for Effective Research Methodology

Abstract

MTH 102 Final Project: Statistical Research in Your Field Last week you formulated a research question and procedures for studying this question. You also reviewed two articles with main ideas similar to your own research. You were then able to see what kind of data is used to answer similar research questions. This week you will synthesize your findings into a 3-4 page analytical essay that further elaborates on and explores your research methodology. Modern statistical research relies on many of the concepts we studied in this course. Of course, the statistics used is often at a much higher level than what we have studied this term. In this course we studied statistics that only involved a few variables; however, in real research, statistics involves many more variables. Imagine that you have become a high-ranking executive with your prospective employer. You have vast resources to expend, including a team of statisticians and “number-crunchers”. In this case you would most likely be the last person conducting research. However, you do need to understand the results of your research and explore various methods for conducting research. Your essay should have three parts, described below: Part I: Discuss how your team would collect your data? Would you review the entire population or would you select a sample? If you choose to select a sample, what sampling technique would you use to form a representative sample? Would you divide the members of your sample into additional groups, such as a randomized control group? Part II: Describe the methodology your team would use to analyze your data. What kinds of statistical techniques would you use that you have learned in this course? How would you present your statistics—in a table or with a graph? How would the statistical techniques you choose help you answer your...