HA535 Healthcare Statistics

HA535: Data Analysis for Health Professionals

Unit 8 Assignment Introduction Script

Imagine that you have been asked to analyze and communicate a data set using inferential statistics. Correlational research investigates how changes in one variable correspond with changes in one or more other variables. For example, you can use correlational research to make a prediction on how many students will graduate with a 3.5 GPA or higher.

Causal-comparative or ex post facto research, investigates possible cause-and-effect relationships among variables. For example, what are the differences between smokers and non-smokers?

Reliability refers to the consistency of the research being conducted. Validity refers to the accuracy of the research being conducted.