Statistical analysis and graphical representation

In Psychology, the data we have collected (raw data) does not really tell us anything therefore we need to analyse the data to see if there are any differences. The first part of data analysis involves calculating descriptive statistics (mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation).Complete Task 1 - data analysis sheet

HistogramsThe Histogram is used when a researcher has collected quantitative, continuous data (such as time, or number of items recalled)

It is the area of the histogram that is important. The height of each bar depends on the class width and frequency density

In a simple histogram, where the class widths are equal, then the Y axis is frequency (how often the value occurs) and the X axis is the DV.

However, some histograms can be more complicated when the class intervals are not equal. This means that a calculation is required to work out the frequency density of each bar. To do this, researchers have to use this formula: Frequency density = frequency / class width

To work out the frequency:

Frequency density x class width