Statistics: concepts, methods, and applications

Statistical Data Analysis of the Attitudes of Radiographers Toward Their Career Choice, Professional Relationships, And Development

Analyzing numerical data is a primary step in the evaluation process of quantitative research. On the basis of the data statistically analyzed a research investigator can begin to bring closure as to the efficacy, strength, and purposefulness of the phenomenon being investigated. Mores specifically the statistical analysis of measurement data permits the research investigator of answer the research question originally proposed as well as to accept or reject those null hypotheses that followed a statement of the research question. As mentioned in section one of this research report the research investigator must always remain vigilant though out the research process with respect to controlling extraneous and contaminating error, bias, result applicability, and, above all, not to fall into the trap of attempting to explain and give reason to that which did not happen or not found to be acceptable (i.e., attempting to explain why a null hypothesis was not statistically significant).

The remainder of this report will focus upon a more in depth analysis of the survey data retrieved for the Radiographer Questionnaire. For the purpose of consistency and continuity a summary of the overall data analysis from section 1 will be presented as well. Upon completion of the precis presentation an in depth analysis will be conducted, and presented, with respect to those differences uncovered by the first statistical analysis. Accompanying the statistical data presentation will be a short discussion with respect to that which was found to be statistically significant and that which was not.

Section 1 Summary. The Radiographer Questionnaire consisted of 10 questions and was administered to 20 males and 30 female radiographers representing three (3) grade levels (radiographer, senior radiographer, and superintendent radiographer) and three healthcare departments (ABERTAFF, DEVASLLYN, DAMWAEV). Through the use of descriptive statistics the general, i.e., non-statistical, conclusion drawn is as follows:

Even though the sample population contained more female participants than male, the age distribution was similar and age variability (standard deviation) within each group was comparable. The conclusion drawn, therefore, is that both groups were similar in age and respective age variability. This was confirmed through a "t" test analysis wherein the resulting value of 0.553 was not statistically significant

Male Mean Age: 33.0

Female Mean Age: 35.7 years

Overall mean differences with respect to the composite findings of the Radiographer Questionnaire showed that males and females were similar in their overall perception towards Career Choice, Professional Relationships and Development. The resulting "t" Test value of 0.547 supported this finding and showed that male and female Career Choice, Professional Relationships and Development attitudes were similar.

Male Mean Composite Question Response: 3.95

Female Mean Composite Response: 3.40

Overall mean differences with respect to Grade Level and Career Choice, Professional Relationships and Development attitudes did show that differences exist between grade levels. As this involved a multiple group comparison the F Test was used to determine if grade levels were statistically significant. The resulting F Test value of 5.9416 exceeded the required F Test value of 3.20 the conclusion drawn is that there exists statistically significant difference in attitudes toward Career Choice, Professional Relationships and Development with respect to the department area of the participants. However, when a statistical analysis was preformed to determine whether or not a statistically significant difference existed, in general, amongst the three (3) department areas, the result was non-statistical significance. The conclusion drawn, therefore, is that individuals within each respective department view their attitude toward Career Choice, Professional Relationships and Development similarly, but grade level participants view their attitudes toward Career Choice, Professional Relationships and Development significantly different.

As there existed significant differences between grade levels and departments, additional statistical data analysis was warranted to determine wherein the differences lie. To accomplish this task statistical data analysis was conducted not only between groups and levels but also over the 10 questions of the survey.

Section 2. A grade level, department category and individual question/response analysis was performed visa via an ANOVA. The results would afford the research investigator an opportunity to determine wherein earlier identified differences specifically lie in terms of overall questionnaire composite differences or individual question differences. This analysis was deemed necessary as differences can exist on the basis of an overall group effect and not an individual variable (question) effect and visa versa.

Male Mean Per Question Analysis x Department

Source of Sum of d.f.

Mean

Variation

Squares between error

Required F. value: 4.21 ? < 0.05

Concluding Statement: With a received F. value of 1.04 and a required value of F = 4.21 the conclusion can be drawn that no statistically significant differences exist in attitude toward Career Choice, Professional Relationships and Development for male radiographer participants within the three health care departments at a probability level of 95%. Therefore, all three health care groups consisting of males perceive attitudes towards Career Choice, Professional Relationships and Development the same.

Female Mean Per Question Analysis x Department

Source of Sum of d.f.

Mean

Variation

Squares between error

Required F. Value: 4.21 ? < 0.05

Concluding Statement: With a received F. value of 0.1757 and a required value of F = 4.21 the conclusion can be drawn that no statistically significant differences exist in attitude toward Career Choice, Professional Relationships and Development for female radiographer participants within the three health care departments at a probability level of 95%. Therefore, all three health care groups consisting of females perceive attitudes towards Career Choice, Professional Relationships and Development the same.

Male Mean Per Question Analysis x Grade Level

Source of Sum of d.f.

Mean

Variation

Squares between error

Required F. Value: 4.21 ? < 0.05

Concluding Statement: With a received F. value of 0.8112 and a required value of F = 4.21 the conclusion can be drawn that no statistically significant differences exist in attitude toward Career Choice, Professional Relationships and Development for male radiographer participants within the three grade levels at a probability level of 95%. Therefore, all three-grade levels consisting of males perceive attitudes towards Career Choice, Professional Relationships and Development the same.

Female Mean Per Question Analysis x Grade Level

Source of Sum of d.f.

Mean

Variation

Squares between error

Required F. Value: 4.21 ? < 0.05

Concluding Statement: With a received F. value of 0.2500 and a required value of F = 4.21 the conclusion can be drawn that no statistically significant differences exist in attitude toward Career Choice, Professional Relationships and Development for female radiographer participants within the three grade levels at a probability level of 95%. Therefore, all three-grade levels consisting of females perceive attitudes towards Career Choice, Professional Relationships and Development the same.

Mean Score Total Responses for Department x Grade Level Composite

Source of Sum of d.f.

Mean

Variation

Squares between

8.4444E-02 error

7.2222E-02

Required F. Value: 5.14 ? < 0.05

Concluding Statement: With a received F. value of 1.169 and a required value of F = 5.14 the conclusion can be drawn that no statistically significant differences exist in attitude toward Career Choice, Professional Relationships and Development for all participating radiographers regardless of grade level and healthcare department affiliation at a probability level of 95%. Therefore, all three-grade levels and department areas consisting of males and females perceive attitudes towards Career Choice, Professional Relationships and Development the same.