Abstract:
Statistical methods in conducting research include planning, design, data collection, analysis meaningful interpretation, and reporting of research findings. Statistical analysis gives meaning to insignificant numbers and thus breathes life into lifeless data. Results and conclusions are accurate only when appropriate statistical tests are used. The purpose of this article is to introduce the reader to the basic research tools that are used to conduct various studies. The article briefly discusses variables, understanding quantitative and qualitative variables, and measures of central tendency. It provides an overview of sample size estimation, power analysis and statistical errors. Finally, the parametric and non-parametric tests used in the data analysis are summarized.
