Words Due Wednesday July 13, 2022 - This Week's Discussion

200 Wordsdue Wednesday July 13 2022this Weeks Discussion Was Special

This week's discussion was specially created to help you analyze the necessary statistics involved in psychological assessment (course learning goal #4). Please share your thoughts and feelings about statistics. Have you had success studying them in the past or applying them to your life? Have you struggled to understand the basic statistical concepts? In your everyday life, what are ways you utilize the concept of validity? How about reliability?

Paper For Above instruction

Statistics are fundamental in understanding and interpreting psychological assessments, offering a structured way to analyze data and draw meaningful conclusions. My experience with statistics has been a mix of success and challenges. During my academic journey, I found certain statistical concepts, such as descriptive statistics and basic inferential tests, manageable and even rewarding when I saw how they could be applied to real-world situations. This success was reinforced when I applied these concepts to personal projects, such as analyzing survey data for a community initiative, which enhanced my confidence and understanding of their practical use.

However, I have also faced struggles with more complex statistical ideas, such as understanding variability and the assumptions underlying various tests. These concepts require careful attention and often multiple revisions to fully grasp their implications. Despite these challenges, persistence and practical application have been key to my progress.

In everyday life, I utilize the concept of validity primarily through assessing the credibility of information sources. When evaluating news reports or health advice, I consider whether the information is valid—meaning it accurately reflects reality and is based on trustworthy evidence. Reliability, on the other hand, is applied when I determine whether the sources or information are consistent over time. For example, I check if the data or opinions I encounter repeatedly and consistently across different platforms or times, which indicates reliability. These concepts help me make more informed decisions and avoid misinformation, emphasizing their importance beyond academic settings into daily life.

References

• Cohen, R. J., & Swerdlik, M. E. (2018). Psychological testing and assessment: An introduction to tests and measurement (9th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
• Wilkinson, L., & Task Force on Statistical Inference. (1999). Statistical methods in psychology journals: Guidelines and explanations. American Psychologist, 54(8), 593-604.
• Zellner, A. (2022). Basic statistics for social research. Routledge.