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What is Descriptive Statistics?

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I do not understand this research and statistics at all but I'm starting to learn about the different types of research and about reliability and validity. I would appreciate any help you can give. Thank you so much!

What are some examples of descriptive statistics? Why are they used in research?

List the three measures of variability and provide one example of each.

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Solution Summary

The solution is a concise explanation and advise of what research statistics is and its use/application in research. Additionally, measures of variability is discussed including the concept of variance and its use in presenting quantifiable group data. Online resources are also indicated for additional explanation/research if needed.

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Dear Student,
Hello. Descriptive statistics might appear challenging in that they involve formulas and mathematical calculations. These are important however as it gives a description of the social world in measurable numbers so as to put together inclusive solutions. I am sure that you are quite familiar with mean, median and mode. These measure the average variation of a social group or identified population. For example, in basketball we measure the abilities and capabilities of a basketball player according to 'numbers' (i.e. Kobe Bryant averages 6.9 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 2.2 steals per game in the 2002-2004 sseasons. The CIA is heavily reliant in Descriptive Statistics to create full pictures of a country. In their web published fact book about countries of the world, these statistics are displayed. Together with qualitative data (i.e. ethnographic studies, life stories, historical data, and other such social documentation), the ...

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Xenia Rochelle Jones, MA, PhD (IP)
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  • MPhil/PhD (IP), Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
  • MA, Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
  • Certificate, Geva Ulpan (via Universita Tel Aviv)
  • BA, University of the Philippines
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