Educational and psychological Statistics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Educational and psychological Statistics - Essay Example A total of 101 students in 6 streams were selected as representative population. The students taking part in the study were at various levels of studies and of different sexes.   The sample was categorized into two namely, earners or maintainers. Maintainers started with high score but in the subsequent assignments, their scores were consistently reduced leading to negative motivation. Conversely, earners scores were increased each time an assignment was given. The research hypothesized that students who are subjected to subtraction of marks are highly motivated than the students who are constantly added marks. For purposes of this essay, six positive attributes namely; motivation, interest, participation, urge, inspiration and excitement about the course are used. The mean of each attribute is calculated for generalization purposes. Then the overall mean is computed to give the general feeling or attitude of students towards the course. Further suggestions on ways of improving the test are also made.A study or test is a systematic means of enquiry that employs the use of scientifically approved techniques to find answers to problems and attempt to solve them or come up with or complement existing knowledge. Studies critically examine situations, phenomena, problems and occurrences with a view of initiating certain actions. Therefore, it must be objective and free from prejudice and biasness. It involves gathering data, changing the data into meaningful form called information and deriving conclusions.... There are two major categories of studies namely quantitative and qualitative. The quantitative studies are concerned with numbers i.e. the variables are quantified e.g. marks scored by students in particular examinations. The answers in most instances are already been given and what the respondent is required to do is to tick the applicable case or choice. On the other hand qualitative studies focus on other factors which may be related to variable. This is done by allowing respondents to describe their views about the subject and therefore offers more flexibility. It must be noted that the two categories can be used together in one study. This is usually the case in many surveys. Data collection is an integral part of research. The value and credibility of a study relies on the methods and how data was collected. A poorly collected data carries significant errors resulting into rejection of results and therefore waste of resources. Therefore, the results of the test must be valid a nd reliable. The validity is checked by investigating whether the results actually measure what it claims to determine. The reliability is concerned about the reproducibility of the same results under same conditions but different administrations. Various methods of data collections exists but the choice of specific method depend on the type of study, available resources e.g. time, the volume of data to be collected and certain aspects of population among other reason. For instance, in a population where there is high illiteracy level using a self administered questionnaire is likely to generate flawed result because majorities do not know how to read or write. Conversely, if you want to extract large volume of information within a short time from educated