Data Analysis & Statistics

Choosing a Statistical Test

A statistical test is a calculation that gives a p-value evaluating the evidence for a relationship or difference. Each test also produces a "test statistic" (e.g., Z, t, X², F,  r) which is usually not interpreted on it's own because each is on a different scale. The test statistic is converted to a p-value by a computer for interpretation.

• Choose a Statistical Test for 1 Dependent Variable (NYU) - Table
  • See also: Choose a Statistical Test for 2+ Dependent Variables (NYU)
  • Alternative: Which statistical analysis should I use? (UCLA)
• Statkat - List of questions, large table, and practice exercises for common analysis (up to logistic regression)
• Which Stats Test (Sage) - Series of Questions
• What statistical test should I do? (Antoine Soetewey)  - Flowchart with links to more info
• Beginner: Select the Correct Statistical Test Exercise (WISE)
• Advanced: Choosing a Statistical Test (GraphPad)

Handouts from Data Services

• Common Statistical Tests - Guide for those taking introductory statistics classes

• Choosing Bivariate Tests 4-way - Simple overview of the different classes of tests based on variable type
  • Bivariate Analyses - Even simpler version, also addresses reporting
• Interpreting Bivariate Relationships -  Learn how to judge whether two variables are related
• Simple Comparisons - Compares tests used for different kinds of DVs (e.g., paired samples, non-parametric)

See Also

• Types of quantitative research questions (Laerd dissertation) 
• For help with the various software, see the InfoGuide Software for Digital Scholarship

Glossary

• It’s All Greek (Stats With Cats) - Divides terms into Named Things, Created Words, and Alternative Meanings
• Statistical Language (Australian Bureau of Statistics) - Topically-grouped list of basic terms and in depth explanations
• Statistical terms used in research studies (Journalist’s Resource) - Narrative of primarily methodological words that are crucial to know 
• Confusing Terms: Independent Variables / Alpha and Beta (Analysis Factor) - Exploration of the different meanings

Statistical Notations

• Statistics Notation (Stat Trek) - Large grouped list of symbols and their associated term
• Probability and Statistics Symbols (Statistics How To) - Alphabetical list with links to explanations
• Statistics Notation & Formulas (Mrs Krummel) - Quiz and answers covering just the most commonly used symbols
• Satistics Symbol Sheet / Σ (Brown Math) - A table with greek letters and an alphabetical list with pronunciations where needed and links to more details
• Common Statistical Abbreviations and Symbols in APA 7th (James Cook University)