Basic statistical methods in research and their interpretation

Abstract

Whether quantitative or qualitative, research generates data that requires analysis and interpretation to derive insights. Statistical tests allow researchers to calculate how much the relationship between the variables they have investigated differs from that which might be expected by chance alone. In statistical terms, whether the null hypothesis of no significant relationship is accepted or rejected. This article will consider the common types of statistical tests applied to quantitative research data and their interpretation. By the end of this paper, readers should be better informed about the choice of statistical test for their research study and how to interpret the results.