Theoretical Review: An Explanation of Data Types, Statistical Tests, and Factors That Influence Presentation of Findings

Abstract

This paper discussed the key factors to consider when selecting the most appropriate tables, and diagrams in the presentation and analysis in research with the view of ensuring data represents what it is intended to represent. Further, the outlines the determinants of the selection of the most appropriate statistics to describe individual variables and to examine relationships between variables and trends in research data. This was desktop research that relied on the use of common databases that scholars use to access free online articles, and these included: Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Academia, and the main Google search engine. The journal articles on research methods, particularly, quantitative research methods were extensively downloaded and used in this study. The key statistical tests discussed in this study include Correlation and Regression. The types of correlation addressed in this paper are: Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient; Ranked Correlation Coefficients (Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient, and Kendall’s Tau Rank Correlation Coefficient); Partial Correlation. For Regression, the two common types have been addressed - Linear Regression, and Logistic Regression.

Keywords: Statistical Tests, Correlation, Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient; Ranked Correlation Coefficients, Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient, Kendall’s Tau Rank Correlation Coefficient, Partial Correlation, Regression, Linear Regression, and Logistic Regression

DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/12-22-06

Publication date: November 30^th 2022