The Importance of Drawing Meaningful Conclusions from Data: A Review of the Literature with Meta-Analytic Inquiry

Abstract

Using correct statistical concepts is an important component when conducting quantitative research. Ideas such as power, effect size, and confidence intervals need to be addressed appropriately every time a research study is initiated. The intent of this review of the literature is to reacquaint faculty, practitioners, and graduate students with scholarly information pertaining to these important concepts to facilitate improved implementation of quantitative research designs. Practical cases are interwoven within the review to furnish examples of concept importance, and a meta-analysis of concept usage found in articles published in the NASPA Journal is provided as a measure for implications.