Overview
For this assessment, you will complete an SPSS data analysis report using t-test output for assigned variables.
You will review the theory, logic, and application of t tests. The t test is a basic inferential statistic often reported in psychological research. You will discover that t tests, as well as analysis of variance (ANOVA), compare group means on some quantitative outcome variable.
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assessment criteria:
- Competency 1: Analyze the computation, application, strengths, and limitations of various statistical tests.
- Develop a conclusion that includes strengths and limitations of an independent-samples t
- Competency 2: Analyze the decision-making process of data analysis.
- Analyze the assumptions of the independent-samples t
- Competency 3: Apply knowledge of hypothesis testing.
- Develop a research question, null hypothesis, alternative hypothesis, and alpha level.
- Competency 4: Interpret the results of statistical analyses.
- Interpret the output of the independent-samples t
- Competency 5: Apply a statistical program’s procedure to data.
- Apply the appropriate SPSS procedures to check assumptions and calculate the independent-samples t test to generate relevant output.
- Competency 6: Apply the results of statistical analyses (your own or others) to your field of interest or career.
- Develop a context for the data set, including a definition of required variables and scales of measurement.
- Competency 7: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with the expectations for members in the identified field of study.
- Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with the expectations for members in the identified field of study.
Competency Map
Use this online tool to track your performance and progress through your course.
Context
Read Assessment 3 Context [DOC] for important information on the following topics:
- Logic of the t
- Assumptions of the t
- Hypothesis testing for a t
- Effect size for a t
- Testing assumptions: The Shapiro-Wilk test and Levene’s test.
- Proper reporting of the independent-samples t
- t, degrees of freedom, and t
- Probability value.
- Effect size.
Questions to Consider
As you prepare to complete this assessment, you may want to think about other related issues to deepen your understanding or broaden your viewpoint. You are encouraged to consider the questions below and discuss them with a fellow learner, a work associate, an interested friend, or a member of your professional community. Note that these questions are for your own development and exploration and do not need to be completed or submitted as part of your assessment.
Various Forms of the t Test
- In what research situations should the paired-samples t test be used rather than the independent-samples t test?
Two Versions of the Independent-Samples t Test
- Why are there are two different versions of the t test on the SPSS printout and how do you decide which one is more appropriate?
Application of t Tests
- Is there a research question from your professional life or career specialization that can be addressed by an independent-samples t test?
- Why would a t test be the appropriate analysis for this research question?
- What are the variables and their scale of measurement?
- What is the expected outcome? (For example, “The group 1 mean score will be significantly greater than the group 2 mean score because….”)
Resources
APA Resources
Because this is a psychology course, you need to format this assessment according to APA guidelines. Additional resources about APA can be found in the Research Resources in the courseroom navigation menu. Use the resources to guide your work.
- American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association(6th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
- This resource is available from the Capella University Bookstore.
Required Resources
The following resources are required to complete the assessment.
Data Set Instructions
These are the same instructions presented for other assessments.
Assessment Template and Output Instructions
- Data Analysis and Application (DAA) Template [DOCX].
- Use this template to complete your assessment.
- SPSS Data Analysis Report Guidelines [DOCX].
- Use this document for instructions on completing the DAA template.
- Copy/Export Output Instructions [DOCX].
- This document provides instructions for extracting output from SPSS. You will insert your output into the assessment answer template as indicated.
SPSS Software
The following statistical analysis software is required to complete your assessments in this course:
- IBM SPSS Statistics Standard or Premium GradPack (recent version for Windows or Mac).
- As a Capella learner, you have access to the more robust IBM SPSS



Reviews
There are no reviews yet.