Select One Of The More Common Statistical Tests Used In Nurs
Select One Of The More Common Statistical Tests Used In Nursing Resear
Select one of the more common statistical tests used in nursing research. State which statistic you selected. What level of measurement is required for using your selected statistical test? Provide an example of how your selected statistical test could be used in a nursing research study. Expectations Initial Post: Length: A minimum of 250 words, not including references Citations: At least one high-level scholarly reference in APA format from within the last 5 years Discussion: Respond to Posts in Your Own Thread
Paper For Above instruction
The selection of appropriate statistical tests is fundamental in nursing research to accurately analyze data and draw valid conclusions. Among the commonly used statistical methods, the Chi-square test stands out due to its versatility in analyzing categorical data. This test evaluates whether there is a significant association between two categorical variables, which is essential in understanding relationships within nursing studies, such as patient demographics and health outcomes.
The Chi-square test requires the data to be at a nominal level of measurement. Nominal data categorize variables without any inherent order, such as gender (male, female), ethnicity, or presence/absence of a condition. These categories allow researchers to determine if distributions of categorical variables differ significantly across different groups. For example, in a nursing study, researchers might investigate whether there is an association between smoking status (smoker, non-smoker) and the presence of hypertension (yes, no). Using the Chi-square test, they can assess if the observed distribution differs from what would be expected by chance, indicating a potential relationship.
In a practical application, a nurse researcher could conduct a study examining the association between patients’ educational levels and adherence to medication regimens. By categorizing educational levels (such as high school, bachelor’s degree, postgraduate) and medication adherence (adherent, non-adherent), the researcher could utilize the Chi-square test to explore whether higher educational attainment correlates with better medication adherence. This information could inform targeted educational interventions within clinical settings.
Overall, the Chi-square test is a valuable statistical tool in nursing research for analyzing categorical data, helping to uncover relationships between variables critical for improving patient care and health outcomes (Carlson, Geisinger, & Jonson, 2017). Understanding its application and appropriate level of measurement ensures that nursing research remains rigorous and valid.
References
Carlson, J.F., Geisinger, K.F., & Jonson, J.L. (2017). The Twentieth Mental Measurements Yearbook. Lincoln, NE: Buros Center for Testing.