The Assumptions Testing Practices of Quantitative Researchers in Psychology at Different Occupational Levels
Date
2022
Authors
Dickwelle Vidanage, Richard
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Abstract
Little research has explored the data analysis practices of psychological researchers, and assumptions testing is particularly under-researched. What research exists suggests that many psychology researchers do not test their data for violated statistical assumptions, and that when done, testing is often done poorly. The present study sought to further the research into the assumptions testing practices of quantitative psychology researchers and introduced a novel exploration of the role of occupational level. This was done through an anonymous online survey, distributed to all 41 Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited psychology institutions in Australia. The survey included demographic questions, data analysis scenarios and follow-up questions pertaining to statistical assumptions. Forty-three complete and 11 partial responses were received from 13 institutions. Around half of participants listed assumptions testing amongst the steps they would take, whilst the noticing of violations depended on severity and presentation. Compared to professional researchers, APAC level 2 (i.e., Honours-level student) participants were significantly less likely to list assumptions testing as a step they would take as part of data analysis. However, there were no significant differences between occupational level groups in their tendency to notice assumptions violations in data output. Instead, the severity of the violation, and whether it was noticeable by preliminary test as opposed to visual output played a larger role. The overall results, occupational level comparisons, role of violation severity, and the seeming reliance of psychology researchers on preliminary tests lead to a call for better education, improved practices, more statistical resources, and further research. Keywords: statistical assumptions, assumptions testing, data analysis, metascience
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School of Psychology
Dissertation Note
Thesis (B.PsychSc(Hons)) -- University of Adelaide, School of Psychology, 2023
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