Assignment: Run and interpret a correlational analysis in SPSS. Assignment Overview In this week’s assignment, you’ll get a chance to run and interpret your first inferential statistics analysis, correlations. Your readings and the 7864 Course Study Guide [PDF] will help you in your efforts. This week’s assignment is on correlations. You will analyze the following variables in the grades.sav data set: SPSS 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 SPSS to assess normality. This table should include the four variables named above. Paste the table in the DAA. Interpret the skewness and kurtosis values and how you determined whether the assumption of normality was met or violated. Step 3: Write Section 3 of the DAA: Results and Interpretation Paste the intercorrelation matrix (SPSS Correlation table) 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.
