ABSTRACT
In this chapter you will:
Learn the difference between qualitative and quantitative variables.
Learn the difference between nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio scales.
Learn how to describe a study design in terms of independent and dependent variables.
Begin to learn how to match study designs with statistical procedures.
In talking with others, whether describing your study to fellow researchers or attempting to gain statistical advice, it is important to use relatively standard, clear vocabulary. This chapter describes some basic terms and concepts used to talk about research studies. Some of these terms deal with the variables under study and how they are measured, and others deal with how the variables are related to each other in the study design.