Assessment and Testing

PSY 335 Interpreting Statistics Worksheet Guidelines and Rubric

In order for psychologists to conduct effective assessments, they must interpret test data. This assignment provides you an opportunity to analyze two sets of data and practice interpreting them. This assignment is intended as a review of descriptive statistics and correlation—a refresher to set the stage for understanding how these concepts will be applied in future modules, to understand what the scores represent, and to be able to summarize the data in a meaningful way.

Prompt: The included data set contains two sets of data—Verbal IQ test scores and Reading test scores, along with descriptive statistics for each variable and correlation data comparing the two variables. Please answer the following questions in the space provided in the Interpreting Statistics Worksheet.

In the Interpreting Statistics Worksheet, the following critical elements, specifically, must be addressed:

I. Using the provided data and graphs, describe the frequency distribution for the IQ test: a) What is a typical score for this sample? b) How variable are the scores? c) How are the scores distributed?

II. Using the provided data and graphs, describe the frequency distribution of the reading test scores: a) What is a typical score for this sample? b) How variable are the scores? c) How are the scores distributed?

III. Consider the correlation data given the provided data and graph: a) How are IQ and reading achievement related?

IV. Evaluate the data from a psychological testing perspective. a) Are these samples good representations of the general population? How do you know? b) What could you do to make them a more representative sample? c) How would you interpret the correlation results? d) What are some ways this knowledge of their relationship could be used?

Rubric Guidelines for Submission: Your one- to two-page worksheet must be submitted using the Interpreting Statistics Worksheet. Cite any sources using APA format.

Critical Elements Exemplary (100%) Proficient (85%) Needs Improvement (55%) Not Evident (0%) Value Frequency

Distribution: IQ Test Meets “Proficient” criteria, and response contains no errors and is logical and informed by statistical knowledge

Correctly describes typical score, variable of score, and score distribution of IQ Test data set; minor errors present; response is logical and demonstrates statistical knowledge

Describes typical score, variable of score, and score distribution of IQ Test data set, but response is illogical or overlooks key statistical facets; response is also incorrect, missing, or containing illogical conclusions

Does not describe typical score, variable of score, or score distribution of IQ Test data set

15

Frequency Distribution: Reading

Test Scores

Meets “Proficient” criteria and response contains no errors and is logical and informed by statistical knowledge

Correctly describes typical score, variable of score, and score distribution of Reading Test data set; response is logical and demonstrates statistical knowledge

Describes typical score, variable of score, and score distribution of Reading Test data set, but response is illogical or overlooks key statistical facets; response is also incorrect, missing, or containing illogical conclusions

Does not describe typical score, variable of score, or score distribution of Reading Test data set

15

Correlation Data Meets “Proficient” criteria and supports correlation with scholarly research and examples

Correctly relates results of IQ and Reading Test scores by using relevant psychological methodology

Relates results of IQ and Reading Test scores by using relevant psychological methodology, but correlation is illogical or overlooks key components

Does not relate results of IQ and Reading Test scores

20

Evaluate the Data Meets “Proficient” criteria and strengthens conclusions with examples from scholarly research

Draws informed conclusions regarding representations, samples, and relationships within data sets

Draws conclusions regarding representations, samples, and relationships within data sets, but correlation is illogical or overlooks key aspects

Does not draw conclusions regarding representations, samples, and relationships within data sets

40

Articulation of Response

Submission is free of errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, and organization and is presented in a professional and easy-to-read format

Submission has no major errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, or organization

Submission has major errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, or organization that negatively impact readability and articulation of main ideas

Submission has critical errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, or organization that prevent understanding of ideas

10

Earned Total 100%