Foundations in quantitative research methods

Unifying method to resolve controversy in science: find the most probable explanation.

Stats yield probability estimates for theories

They also allow us to quantify uncertainty.

A good understanding is key in critical appraisal.

Good knowledge of stats = good scientist

- To describe a study population.

- Enable you to learn a large pile of numbers that cannot be comprehended at a glance into a very small set of numbers that can be more easily understood.

- Include measures of central tendency, variability, and association, presented both numerically and visually.

- Using what we know from the data we have collected to make inferences about what we don't know.

- Allows us to draw conclusions about your data that can be applied to the wider population.

1) Identifying a research question.

2) Generating a hypothesis.

3) Conducting the research

4) Statistical analysis

5) Interpretation

6) Conclusion