Week 4 Assignment: Correlation Application and Interpretation
Instructions
For this assignment:
● Use the Data Analysis and Application template (DAA Template [DOCX]).
● For help with statistical software, refer to the JASP Step-by-Step: Correlations [PDF] document.
● View JASP Speedrun: Correlations [Video] for a brief tutorial video on this assignment.
● View Deeper Dive Correlation [Video] for a longer video on how to interpret the statistical software output.
● Refer to the 7864 Course Study Guide [PDF] for information on analyses and interpretation.
● For information on the data set, refer to the 7864 Data Set Instructions [PDF] document.
The grades.jasp file is a sample data set. The data represent a teacher's recording of student demographics and performance on quizzes and a final exam across three sections of the course. This data file is used in all four papers (Week 2, Week 4, Week 6, and Week 8).
This week’s assignment is on correlations. You will analyze the following variables in the grades.jasp data set:
|
Variable |
Definition |
|
Quiz1 |
Quiz 1: number of correct answers |
|
GPA |
Previous grade point average |
|
Total |
Total number of points earned in class |
|
Final |
Final exam: number of correct answers |
Step 1: Write Section 1 of the DAA: The Data Analysis Plan
● Name the four variables used in this analysis and whether they are categorical or continuous.
● State a research question, null hypothesis, and alternate hypothesis for total and final.
● State a research question, null hypothesis, and alternate hypothesis for gpa and quiz1.
Step 2: Write Section 2 of the DAA: Testing Assumptions
Test for one of the assumptions of correlation – normality.
● Create a descriptive statistics table in statistical software to assess normality. This table should include the four variables named above, including skew and kurtosis for each variable.
● Paste the table in the DAA Template.
● Interpret the skewness and kurtosis values and determine whether the assumption of normality was violated or not violated.
Step 3: Write Section 3 of the DAA: Results and Interpretation
● Using the statistical software, paste the intercorrelation matrix for the four variables into the document.
● Below the output, first report the total-final correlation including degrees of freedom, correlation coefficient, and p value. Specify whether or not to reject the null hypothesis for this correlation.
● Second, report the gpa-quiz1 correlation including degrees of freedom, correlation coefficient, and p value. Specify whether or not to reject the null hypothesis for this correlation.
Step 4: Write Section 4 of the DAA: Statistical Conclusions
● Provide a brief summary of your analysis and the conclusions drawn about correlations.
● Analyze the limitations of the statistical test and/or possible alternative explanations for your results.
Step 5: Write Section 5 of the DAA: Application
Analyze how you might use correlations in your field of study.
● Name two variables that would work for such an analysis and why studying the relationship may be important to the field or practice.
Submit your DAA template as an attached Word document in the assignment area.
Competencies Measured
By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assignment criteria:
● Competency 1: Analyze the computation, application, strengths, and limitations of various statistical tests.
○ Analyze statistical assumptions.
● Competency 2: Analyze the decision-making process of data analysis.
○ Articulate the data analysis plan.
● Competency 3: Apply knowledge of hypothesis testing.
○ Interpret statistical results and hypotheses.
● Competency 4: Interpret the results of statistical analyses.
○ Explain statistical conclusions, the limitations of the test, and possible alternative explanations.
● Competency 6: Apply the results of statistical analyses (your own or others) to your field of interest or career.
○ Analyze the potential applications of the test in the field and their implications.
● Competency 7: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with the expectations for members in the identified field of study.
○ Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and adheres to APA style and formatting.