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Descriptive statistics in data analysis

Abstract:
This chapter discusses the ‘what’, the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ of descriptive statistics for data analysis in applied linguistics. It defines descriptive statistics, outlines the most common descriptive measures and, with examples from published peer-reviewed journal articles in the field, discusses their strengths and limitations with regard to univariate analysis of different types of data and different levels of measurement. Issues of normality of distribution and the relationships between descriptive and inferential statistics are explored. Options for presenting descriptive statistics are detailed, including recommendations for creative visuals to summarise applied linguistics data. As such, this chapter offers both theoretical and practical guidance on the use of descriptive statistics to those engaged in evaluating and carrying out data analysis in applied linguistics research.
Publication status:
Published
Peer review status:
Peer reviewed

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Publisher copy:
10.4324/9780367824471-34

Authors


More by this author
Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
SSD
Department:
Education
Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0002-5464-1490

Contributors

Role:
Editor
Role:
Editor


Publisher:
Routledge
Host title:
Routledge Handbook of Research Methods in Applied Linguistics
Pages:
398-414
Chapter number:
33
Place of publication:
Abingdon
Publication date:
2019-12-06
Edition:
1
DOI:
EISBN:
9780367824471
ISBN:
9781138501140


Language:
English
Subtype:
Chapter
Pubs id:
pubs:951477
UUID:
uuid:85c87301-5cda-408f-bf4d-7e82e64182c5
Local pid:
pubs:951477
Source identifiers:
951477
Deposit date:
2018-12-11

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