Module Components

• Learning Activities

Topics

• Results Overview
• Statistical Conclusion Validity
• Descriptive Statistics
• Inferential Statistics
• Module 4 Self-Review

NRSG 790-Methods for Research and Evidence-Based Practice

Module 4: Understanding Results

Descriptive Statistics

Descriptive statistics are used to describe the characteristics of the sample. Each variable can be characterized by its distribution, central tendency or dispersion.  In research articles, Table 1 usually describes the attributes of the sample.

These descriptive statistics are used to interpret the nature of the sample (important for generalizability).  Review the concepts associated with descriptive statistics and correlation.

In studies in which there are two groups, these descriptive statistics are used to test if the groups are similar (no difference) or if there are significant differences in groups that could confound the effect of the intervention on the outcome. Inferential statistics are needed to interpret differences in groups.