Chapter 16
Social Statistics
Chapter Outline
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The Origins of the Elaboration Model
The Elaboration Paradigm
Elaboration and Ex Post Facto Hypothesizing
Descriptive Statistics
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Used to summarize data being studied.
Can be used to summarize the following:
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Distribution of attributes on a single variable.
Associations between variables.
Measures of Association
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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
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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
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Linear regression analysis
Multiple regression analysis
Partial regression analysis
Curvilinear regression analysis
Other Multivariate Techniques
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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
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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
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Substantive - observed association is strong,
important and meaningful.
Statistical - make assumptions about data and
methods that are almost never completely
satisfied by social research.