Chapter 16

Social Statistics

Chapter Outline

The Origins of the Elaboration Model The Elaboration Paradigm Elaboration and Ex Post Facto Hypothesizing

Descriptive Statistics

Used to summarize data being studied. Can be used to summarize the following:

– Distribution of attributes on a single variable.– Associations between variables.

Measures of Association

Descriptive statistics that summarize the relationships between variables.

Based on a proportionate reduction of error (PRE) model.

Proportionate Reduction of Error Model

Comparison:

1. Number of errors we would make if we knew the distribution of attributes on that variable.

2. Number of errors we would make if we knew the joint distribution overall and were told for each case the attribute of one variable each time we were asked to guess the attribute of the other.

Regression Analysis

Relationships between variables in the form of equations, which can predict the value of a dependent variable on the basis of values of independent variables.

Computed on the basis of a regression line, the actual location of points in a scattergram.

Types of Regression Analysis

Linear regression analysis Multiple regression analysis Partial regression analysis Curvilinear regression analysis

Other Multivariate Techniques

Time series analysis - study of processes occurring over time.

Path analysis - a method of presenting graphically the networks of causal relationships among several variables.

Factor analysis - a method of discovering the general dimensions represented by a collection of actual variables.

Inferential Statistics

Used to estimate generalizability of findings arrived at through analysis of a sample to the larger population from which the sample was selected.

Inferences about some characteristic of a population must indicate a confidence interval and a confidence level.

Statistical and Substantive Significance

Substantive - observed association is strong, important and meaningful.

Statistical - make assumptions about data and methods that are almost never completely satisfied by social research.