The basics of measurement and statistics

Article type: Research Article

Authors: James L. Bellini, | Shawn Fitzgerald, | Phillip Rumrill,

Affiliations: Syracuse University, Department of Counseling and Human Services, Syracuse, NY 13244-2340, USA | Kent State University, Department of Educational Foundations and Special Services, 405 White Hall, P.O. Box 5190, Kent, OH 44242-0001, USA

Note: [] Tel.: +1 330 672 2294; Fax: +1 330 672 2512; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: This article provides an overview of the processes by which rehabilitation researchers select statistical analyses. The authors begin with a discussion of the different types of variables that researchers measure and manipulate. This discussion is followed by a description on how variables are articulated into research questions and hypotheses. The article concludes with summaries of the most commonly applied inferential statistics that are used in rehabilitation and other health-related professions.

Keywords: measurement, statistics, research design

Journal: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 131-143, 2000