Hypothesis Testing with Two Categorical Variables: Chi-Square in Criminal Justice and Criminology
Chapter 10 of the textbook provides an overview of the chi-square test of independence. This method provides a valid tool for testing hypotheses based on variables from the same category. This chapter continues with the example of the attitudes towards death penalties. The author explains how a researcher can use this test to prove whether or not men are likely to be in favor of death penalties than women and how education affects the decision.
The text reveals what steps must be taken while using this test to determine relationships between independent and dependent variables. The chi-square test is a vital tool for exploring the relationship between two variables on a subject of dependency, as it allows a researcher to demonstrate a meaningful impact of one variable onto another (Gau, 2018). Therefore, the hypothesis must be stated in a way that can be either proven or disproven by the chi-square test.
However, the author also points out that there are limitations to this method. Gau (2018) explicitly highlights that “statistical significance does not always translate into practical significance” (p. 293). The author points out that this test does not explain the measures of association, which require additional analysis of variables (Gau, 2018). Gau (2018) states that “measures of association offer insight into the magnitude of the differences between groups so that we can figure out how strong the overlap is,” which makes this test an essential step in some cases (p. 292).
In conclusion, the chi-square test of independence must be used as a part of a more extensive analysis that incorporates all practically relevant factors and assesses their value as evidence. Statistical significance is the key to an appropriate application of this method (Gau, 2018). The author provides a precise examination of the test, its applications and further analyses that might stem from the results of the chi-square test.
Hypothesis Testing with Two Population Means or Proportion in Criminal Justice and Criminology
In the eleventh chapter of the textbook, the author examines methods for statistical analysis of differences between variables. Two populations that are linked via a dependent variable must be assessed on the subject of dependency to determine a proper test to ensure the validity of the results (Gau, 2018). The chapter identifies the analytical process and breaks it into several steps necessary for its proper completion.
The examination of variables and their dependencies takes a primary spot in this chapter. Independent variables with no influence on each other, such as genders, can provide a statistically meaningful result that will reveal useful evidence (Gau, 2018). Sometimes, selected variables are interdependent or unequal, which leads to different types of analysis. The author examines the choice of a proper test and the logic behind it in the form of a simple algorithm. Dependent samples, which are mainly matched pairs or repeated measures, It is crucial to analyze variables that are brought into a comparable state, which requires a researcher to decide whether to use a pooled-variance or separate-variance approach (Gau, 2018). Two-population tests provide a meaningful way to pinpoint differences between proportions of independent variables in a sample, which allows researchers to determine many parameters, such as the effect of two treatment programs on recidivism (Gau, 2018).
In conclusion, these tests are critical in numerous situations in criminology, as they provide a valuable tool for the analysis of statistical data that might reveal further implications for consideration. The author shows how the results of various two-population tests are able to prove or disprove hypotheses involving these variables based on their significance (Gau, 2018). This statistical analysis expands the methods of defining the relationships between valuables and enables researchers to compare them accurately.
Reference
Gau, J. M. (2018). Statistics for criminology and criminal justice. SAGE Publications.