Page 52 - Intermediate Statistics for Dummies

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Sorting through Statistical
Techniques
In This Chapter
Deciphering the difference between qualitative and quantitative variables
Choosing appropriate statistical techniques for the task at hand
Evaluating bias and precision levels
Interpreting the results properly Chapter 2
ne of the most critical elements of statistics and data analysis is the
Oability to choose the right statistical technique for each job. Carpenters
and mechanics know the importance of having the right tool when they need
it and the problems that can occur if they use wrong tool. They also know
that the right tool helps to increase their odds of getting the results they
want the first time around, using the “work smarter not harder” approach.

In this chapter, you look at the some of the major statistical analysis tech-
niques from the point of view of the mechanics and carpenters — knowing
what each statistical tool is meant to do, how to use it, and when to use it.
You also zoom in on mistakes some number crunchers make in applying the
wrong analysis or doing too many analyses. Knowing how to spot these prob-
lems can help you avoid making the same mistakes, but it also helps you to
steer your way through the ocean of statistics that may await you in your job
and in everyday life.

If many of the ideas you find in this chapter seem like a foreign language to
you and you feel like you need more background information, don’t fret. Before
continuing on in this chapter, head to your nearest intro stats book or check
out another one of my books, Statistics For Dummies (Wiley).