ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the use of analytical tools to describe data and to demonstrate the effect that one variable may have on another. The notion of probability will be introduced using familiar examples. Using practical examples, the chapter will demonstrate the use of probability within research. The notion of proof will be examined, and it will be suggested that research seldom proves anything but merely determines the degree to which the results can be trusted. Statistical analysis is a real help in determining the risk that the result of the research is due only to chance. It is easiest to think about data analysis as just involving two groups of data. In fact, all researchers would probably like be using just two groups of data. Regression Analysis can be considered to go beyond correlation. Survival Analysis is used where we want to know how long something will last. Systematic Reviews look at all the research on a particular subject.
