Most research reports do descriptive statistics. A Chi-Square contingency table is the exception. Most research will describe the data, sometimes using data mining techniques or exploratory data methods. If the report has several sets of data it can get quite complicated. We must define our data and describe it. We always begin with the mean, median and mode. Next in interest is the standard deviation and variance. That tells us how spread out the data is. The shape of the distribution. It is all part of the research process.

This process has taken 2000 years to develop. It is the scientific method we use for all research. We provide the who, what, where, when. The process provides the why and how.

Ever watch CSI? Bones? Elementary? Law & Order? They start with a hypothesis. A question. Who committed the crime? Then they follow the evidence.

Ever notice the speed limit? Is it to save lives, save gas, or generate revenue?

<= 65

> 65

Think of any subject.

Can you offer a hypothesis?