How to Create and Explore a Data Set

Overview

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to data analysis, focusing on the understanding and interpretation of data sets. Students will learn to describe data sets, characterize variables, create and interpret graphs, and identify and interpret frequency distributions using jamovi. The course also emphasizes the critical evaluation of data presentation, teaching students to discern the appropriate use and potential misuse of graphs.

Syllabus

Learn With PsycLearn Essentials

This module introduces you to your PsycLearn Essentials course. Find out what’s included in this course and how to navigate the modules and lessons. You’ll also learn valuable study tips for successful learning.

PsycLearn Essentials APA Student Resources

This module provides a variety of information and tools from the American Psychological Association (APA) that will help inspire you as you complete your coursework and plan your career goals. Get discounted access to Academic Writer, APA’s online tool for writing effectively, as well as valuable advice that will help you develop and strengthen your skillset for learning success and future employment. Additionally, explore resources on various psychological issues. This module also includes APA resources on scholarly research and writing; a list of sites providing valuable resources on diversity, equity, and inclusion in psychology education and in the professional community; resources on a career in psychology; and links to career opportunities at the APA. You can also view videos that offer tips on dealing with stress.

Introduction To How To Create and Explore a Data Set

Once data have been collected, we must confront the question, “How do we summarize these data clearly and efficiently?” Graphs can help answer this question. We will explore the use and misuse of graphs, along with applications of the most common types of graphs.

Data Sets and Variables

There is much talk around the world about big data and analytics. Imagine the amount of data that big companies have stored up by recording every interaction with a customer. What did the customer search for? What did the customer purchase? How much does a given customer spend in an average order, or over the course of a year? The data must be organized and structured in very particular ways or it would be worthless. The same is true of observations in psychological science, or any science. The observations must be collected and stored in an organized way so that they may be useful for later analysis. This module introduces basic concepts about how data sets are organized and inspected.

Graphing Data

This module explores the general nature of graphical representations of data and their usefulness, and then specifically explores the use of frequency distributions for different types of data.

Creating Graphs With Statistical Software

In this module, we explore the use of bar graphs and histograms to describe a data set. We also introduce the jamovi statistical analysis software program, which we then use to create bar graphs and histograms.