Ch1 Test Bank Answers Introduction To Statistical Analysis

Chapter One: Introduction to Statistical Analysis

1. If we utilize even the most sophisticated statistical tests, can we ever be 100% certain that our results reflect reality?

Yes or no? Why or why not?

1. What two factors influence the degree of error?
   1. _______________________________
   2. _______________________________
2. What is the difference between a population and a sample?
3. What are we referring to if we ask, “Are we measuring what we intend to measure?”
   1. Validity.
   2. Reliability.
4. What do we call a variable that has an impact on the outcome of another variable?
   1. Independent variable.
   2. Dependent variable.
5. We are interested in the relationship between “number of hours watching TV” and “criminal behavior.” Indicate which variable is independent and which variable is dependent. Explain.
6. We want to examine whether one’s “gender” (male/female/transgender) is somehow related to “attitudes toward the criminal justice system.” Indicate which variable is independent and which variable is dependent. Explain.
7. We are also eager to find whether there is a relationship between a “problematic drug habit” and “incarceration.” Indicate which variable is independent and which variable is dependent. Explain.
8. Finally, you want to examine whether there is a relationship between “traffic stops” and “race/ethnicity.” Indicate which variable is independent and which variable is dependent. Explain.
9. Why is it important, even crucial, to know what the levels of measurement for each of the variables in any study are?
10. What is the difference between nominal- and ordinal-level variables? Provide an example for both.
11. What is the difference between interval- and ratio-level variables? Provide an example for both.
12. Indicate the level of measurement for the following:
    1. Gender.
    2. IQ score.
    3. Level of education (some high school, high school graduate, some college/university, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s Degree, PhD).
    4. Temperature.
    5. Country of origin.
    6. Age (1, 2, 3, . . . , 99,  . . .).
    7. Age (0–18; 19–28; 29–38; 39–48).
    8. Eye color.
    9. Number of times arrested.
    10. Income.
13. You conducted a survey on citizen’s satisfaction with the local police utilizing a random sample of residents. To measure citizen’s satisfaction you utilized a scale between 1 and 15 (15 indicating the highest level of satisfaction). Indicate the level of measurement and explain.