ABSTRACT
A Researcher is typically able to study only part of the cases in which he is interested. In statistical language, the part he studies is his “sample,” and the larger body of cases his “population” or, synonymously, his “universe.” To some extent the mode of organization also serves to group the readings according to the broad areas of experimental and non experimental research designs. How conventional practices in the choice of a significance level are related to the varying purposes of the research. The readings, however, raise and debate many questions as to what constitutes correct use of tests of significance, and whether use is practiced or practicable in behavioral research. The readings will make clear that the tests have not been immune from criticisms in either context. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
