D502 – Social Work Research I – Quantitative Data Analysis and Statistical
Reasoning
Student:
Date Completed:
_________________________________________________________________
Instructions:
For this assignment, you will use the following article which describes a quantitative
study that used a variety of statistical tests for multiple hypotheses.
Forte, J.A., Franks, D.D., Forte, J.A., & Rigsby, D. (1996). Asymmetrical role-taking:
Comparing battered and nonbattered women. Social Work 41(1), 59-73.
On page 62, the researchers state the four hypotheses they tested in comparing battered
women with nonbattered women. Items in a 13-page survey packet provided measures of
the dependent variables in each of the four hypotheses. The independent variable was the
status of the women participating in the study (that is, battered or nonbattered).
1. Consider the first hypothesis that states battered women when contrasted with
nonbattered women should experience their social situations as characterized by more
violence, greater power inequality, greater economic and personal dependency, and
more limited access to supportive others and prowoman ideology. The instruments
used to test this hypothesis are described at the end of page 63 through the first
column of page 64. Tables 1 and 2 report some of the findings.
a. Consider Table 1 and the results of a t-test based on the mean scores for battered
and nonbattered women on the Index of Spouse Abuse. Interpret the significance
level of p< .001 in the context of this study. Be sure to review the Interactive
Notes on statistical reasoning to ground your conclusion.
b. Consider Table 2 and the results of a Chi-square test to compare power
arrangements for battered and nonbattered women. Interpret the significance level
of p < .001 in the context of this study.
c. Why did the researchers use a t-test for analyzing the results of the Index of
Spouse Abuse and a Chi-square test for analyzing the results on power
arrangements? (HINT: It has something to do with level of measurement.)
2. Consider the fourth hypothesis that states battered women should cope differently.
They should report passive strategies of loyalty to an abusive partner . . . , whereas a
nonbattered woman should report active strategies of voicing their grievances or
exiting dangerous situations.
a. In terms of statistical analysis, what is the null hypothesis? The alternative
hypothesis?
b. Table 4 on page 68 reports the results related to coping actions. Interpret the two
significance levels (p) at the bottom of the table.
c. Do we accept or reject the hypothesis that battered and nonbattered women have
different coping strategies? (Review the Interactive Notes on Statistical
Reasoning, in particular the null and alternative hypotheses, to frame an
appropriate answer.)
3. In your own literature review for your research proposal, identify one quantitative
study that you have read. Briefly provide
a. the citation in APA format
b. the hypothesis that is tested
c. the statistical test used and affirm its appropriateness for the level of measurement
of the variable
d. the results of the analysis, including the significance level (p) and its
interpretation in the context of the study.
NOTE: You may attach the appropriate pages for feedback.
Once you have completed the worksheet, save the file as quantitativeresearch.doc and
upload it to the module 10 drop box