SELECTION OF A STATISTICAL ANALYSIS APPROACH

12181Even at the data collection stage, the social work researcher needs to know what type of data analysis will facilitate an answer to the research question. The researcher should understand the purpose of each method of analysis, the characteristics that must be present in the study for the design to be appropriate, and any weaknesses of the design that might limit the usefulness of the results. Only then can the researcher select the appropriate design.

Choosing the appropriate design enables the social work researcher to gather the most relevant information about the relationship being studied. Notice that it is not the statistical test itself that deems the research valid; rather, it is the research design. Social workers must be aware of and adjust any limitations of their chosen design that may impact the validity of the study.
In this Discussion, you examine a case study involving a quantitative design, determining whether the statistical information supports the program’s efficacy and whether there are limiting factors.