1. What is statistics? Why is it important to research?

Statistics is the science concerned with developing and studying methods for
collecting, analyzing, interpreting and presenting empirical data. It also involves
manipulation of gathered data and to draw conclusions out of your analysis and
interpretation.
Statistics is important when it comes to research. It helps us understand and
describe phenomena in our word and it helps us draw conclusion about that phenomena.
Statistics will be the guide of the researchers in research for proper characterization,
interpretation and presentation of the result of the research. Statistics provides platform
for research as to: how to go with your research, are you going to use the sample or the
population, the technique in data collection, and the interpretation of the processed data
in your research.

2. What is the difference between probability sample and non-probability sample?

Probability sample is a sample derived from the probability sampling. In
probability sampling it involves a random selection of sample, giving the equal chance to
every member of the population to be selected as a sample. Non-probability sample is
derived from non-probability sampling. Non-probability sampling involves a non-
random selection of sample; it is a selection based on convenience of the researchers.

3. What is the difference between the null and alternative hypothesis? Why state
the null hypothesis in research?
A null hypothesis is a statement of hypothesis stating that there are no changes,
effects or relationship could happen between the research variables. This is what the
researchers are trying to disprove while an alternative hypothesis is a statement of
hypothesis stating that there should some statistical difference between the studied
phenomenon. It is what the researchers are trying to prove in his/her research study.
A null hypothesis is stated in every research studies mainly because it provides the
opportunity to test for probabilities of drawing erroneous conclusions about hypotheses
of interest. It is the one that pushes the researchers to do the experiment in order to
disprove the assumption that there is no statistical difference may happen in the research
process.

4. What is level of significance? Why is it important in the analysis of data? Why is

it set at the beginning of the study?

The level of significance(alpha) is the percentage of risk we are willing to take while
rejecting the null hypothesis. It is the percentage you set of getting an error in your assumptions.
It is also the measure of the strength of the evidence that must be present in your sample before
you will reject the null hypothesis and conclude that the effect is statistically significant.
It is important in the analysis of data because it is our guide point and basis if how far out
are we from our null hypothesis so as to reject it or not.
 Significance level is set at the beginning of the study so that it will avoid us from having
a bias result, which will tempt us to do the manipulation of our data which is unethical.
Religiously, we need to set the level of significance first before anything else in the research
process, so that we will be fair in our interpretation and decision with our null hypothesis
because there is already a set level which will be our guiding point or our baseline for our
interpretation and decision.
5. Differentiate random sampling from non-random sampling. Discuss the
different methods of random and non-random sampling.
Random sampling is a sampling technique where each member of the population has an
equal chance to be selected as a sample. On the other hand, non-random sampling is a sampling
technique where the sample selected will be based on factors such as convenience, judgement
and experience of the researcher and not on probability.
There are different methods of random sampling, these are simple random sampling,
stratified sampling, cluster sampling and systematic sampling.
Simple random sampling - every member of the population has an equal chance of being
selected. Your sampling frame should include the whole population.

Stratified sampling - involves dividing the population into subpopulations that may differ
in important ways. It allows you draw more precise conclusions by ensuring that every subgroup
is properly represented in the sample.
Cluster sampling - also involves dividing the population into subgroups, but each
subgroup should have similar characteristics to the whole sample. Instead of sampling
individuals from each subgroup, you randomly select entire subgroups.
Systematic sampling - Every member of the population is listed with a number, but
instead of randomly generating numbers, individuals are chosen at regular intervals.
Non-random sampling has also its kinds, these are the convenience sampling, judgement
sampling, quota sampling and snowball sampling.
Convenience sampling - sampling that involves the sample being drawn from that part of
the population that is close to hand of the researchers. Whoever are available and convenient to
tap by the researchers will be chosen as a sample.
Judgement sampling – is a technique employ by the researcher whoever whom he/she
feel that someone will be fitted to his/her research study will automatically his/her sample.
Quota sampling – it is quite similar to a stratified sampling, only that after grouping the
population into category there is no more randomization, the researcher will automatically select
his sample.
Snowball sampling- it is also called chain referral. The researcher will ask a certain
person to refer him someone who will be his/her sample and the chain referral will continue until
the specified number of sample is reached.
6. Discuss the seven steps in hypothesis testing.
1. State the null and alternative hypothesis. State the null and the alternative hypothesis
that will be the basis of your conclusion after the result will be generated.
2. Set the level of significance. Set the level of significance so, we have to decide on the
level of significance to reject the null hypothesis if the sample result was unlikely
given the null hypothesis was true.
3. Choose the appropriate statistical tool. Statistical tool will be used to processed the
data that we have gathered so that result will be generated.
4. Establish the critical value/critical region. This step will help us to decide on the later
part whether to accept or reject our null hypothesis.
5. Compute the value of statistical test. Employ the statistical tool we determined earlier
to generate the result of the data gathered.
6. Decide whether to accept or reject the null hypothesis. Base on the computation and
upon comparing to the critical value that we have, it is the time to decide. If the
computed value is greater than the critical value, there is a statistical difference in the
studied variables, therefore we have to reject our null hypothesis.
7. Draw a conclusion. Conclusion will be based on the decision we have done earlier.