Page 37 - Statistics II for Dummies

Chapter 2

Finding the Right Analysis

for the Job

In This Chapter
▶ Deciphering the difference between categorical and quantitative variables
▶ Choosing appropriate statistical techniques for the task at hand
▶ Evaluating bias and precision levels
▶ Interpreting the results properly

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 the 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 carpenters and mechanics — 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 problems can help you avoid making the same
mistakes, but it also helps you to steer 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 need more background information, don’t fret. Before continu-
ing on in this chapter, head to your nearest Stats I book or check out another
one of my books, Statistics For Dummies (Wiley).

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