However, the types of questions posed and the types of answers returned are critical no matter what methodologies are used, because these are factors that the skilled practitioner can readily understand and apply. Practitioners should understand whether the research was designed to definitively answer some question or simply to point in the direction of further needed research. They should know whether the study was attempting to determine causal factors or simply highlight different links between factors. Rumsey claims that by understanding how data claims are limited, by the design of the study, by sample size, by statistical measures utilized, or through some other factor, the professional can know how to determine how valid research is and what can be done with it confidently. Depoy and Gitlin claim that a practitioner should be able to apply multiple research techniques in analyzing and...

Rumsey addresses basic number crunching, but focuses on asking what kinds of errors are possible in statistical research and how the professional can spot potential problems areas. Both books suggest that the practitioner does not need to know statistical calculations in-depth, but should rather be able to probe data claims and understand whether they are more likely to be true or false based around how they were designed, how they were analyzed, and what importance is attached to their reported findings.
Works Cited

Depoy, E., and Gitlin, L. Introduction to research: Understanding and applying multiple strategies. New York; Mosby.

Rumsey, D. (2003). Statistics for Dummies. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.