Criminal Justice Analysis - Inferential Methods, Module 5, Parts 1, 2, 3, and 4, and Workshop - Advanced Calculator

• NCJ Number: 81178
• Author(s): Anonymous
• Date Published: Unknown
• Length: 0 pages
• Grant Number(s): 78-MU-AX-0030
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Justice
• Publication Format: Film
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS. 5 videotapes, total running time 4 hours and 30 minutes, color, 1 inch. Part of the Criminal Justice Analysis course held at Washburn University of Topeka.

Annotation

This videotaped session of the Criminal Justice Analysis course explains statistical inference procedures, illustrates how to calculate various inference techniques, and demonstrates the use of a calculator and a computer system as statistical tools in data analysis.

Abstract

Dr. Charles Friel of the Institute of Contemporary Corrections and Behavioral Sciences at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Tex., discusses the concept of inference, which enables analysts to make generalizations based on incomplete information. He explains each step in organizing and interpreting various inferential statistics. These steps begin with stating the null hypothesis and an alternative hypothesis and then selecting the statistical test, determining the level of significance, calculating the test statistic, comparing the test statistic to table values, and interpreting the findings. The instructor uses visual aids to illustrate each of these steps and then explains the three statistical test techniques -- chi square, correlation, and least squares regression -- and when to use them. The chi square test indicates the degree of difference between two classifications, whereas the correlation coefficient is a measure of association which describes the degree to which one variable is related to another. Least squares regression aids in forecasting where there are trends in time series data. The instructor explains how to calculate each test and presents exercises on each test for the students. In addition, Dr. Seth Hirshorn introduces students to the use of an advanced hand calculator as an exploratory and labor-saving tool in the analysis process. The demonstration workshop covers basic operations, statistical operations, and the programming capability of the TI55 calculator. Dr. Hirshorn also teaches students how to access the University of Michigan's National Criminal Justice data archives, using a small terminal, a regular television set, and and the Telenet conferencing system. For the instructor's guide to the course, see NCJ 81170. For other videotaped sessions see NCJ 81171-77, 81179-82, and 81186.