How to Design and Evaluate Research in Education, 5/e

Jack R. Fraenkel, San Francisco State University
Norman E. Wallen, San Francisco State University

Inferential Statistics

Learning Objectives

Studying this chapter should enable you to:

Explain what is meant by the term "inferential statistics."

Explain the concept of sampling error.

Describe briefly how to calculate a confidence interval.

State the difference between a research hypothesis and a null hypothesis.

Describe briefly the logic underlying hypothesis testing.

State what is meant by the terms "significance level" and statistically significant."

Explain the difference between a one- and a two-tailed test of significance.

Explain the difference between parametric and nonparametric tests of significance.

Name three examples of parametric tests used by educational researchers.

Name three examples of nonparametric tests used by educational researchers.

Describe what is meant by the term "power" with regard to statistical tests.

Explain the importance of random sampling with regard to the use of inferential statistics.

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