statistic

(noun)

A numerical figure from experimental data.

Examples of statistic in the following topics:

  • APA: Reporting Statistics

    • Because papers using APA style often report experimental data, you must be able to discuss statistics in your paper.
    • Since experimental papers in the social sciences are usually written in APA style, you will need to know how to properly talk about statistics in the text of your paper.
    • You should never mention a statistic in the text of your paper that is already evident in a table or figure, and vice versa.
    • To place the focus on the meaning of your statistical tests and their relevance to your overall argument, you should summarize each statistical relationship in clear, plain English.
    • This figure shows the proper way to report statistics in an APA-style paper.

  • Numbers

    • ., research writing or other writing that includes measurements or statistics), the proper usage of numbers varies substantially.

  • APA: Tables and Figures

    • Do not use bold or italicized text (unless you are talking about a variable or statistical test that requires such formatting).
    • If your table includes any abbreviations that need defining, or statistics whose significance levels need noting, immediately below the table, write the word "Note" in italics, followed by a colon, and then provide the needed explanation.
    • If your figure includes any abbreviations that need defining, or statistics whose significance levels need noting, include this information in the figure caption.

  • Conducting Research

    • It relies heavily on measurements, numerical data, and mathematical models-- particularly those found in statistics.

  • Results

    • Simply say, "The results were not found to be statistically significant," or "The results supported the hypothesis, with $p < .05$ significance," or the like.

  • Refuting Your Opposition

    • Support your objection with high-quality evidence, expert opinion, and solid reasoning: "The Bureau of Justice Statistics found that in 2005, punitive damages were awarded to only 5 percent of plaintiffs in civil trials."
    • Here, the writer uses both a widely respected source and statistics that refute the counterclaim.

  • Choosing Search Terms for Sources

    • Do you want facts, opinions, statistics, quotations?

  • Raising the Stakes of Your Argument

    • Here are three passages that describe the same psychological study, each using a different rhetorical tactic: Logos: Given that 84% of the subjects in six separate clinical trials reported a statistically significant increase in feelings of guilt when they carried a picture of a deity in their pocket, it follows that there is a correlation between guilt and religion.
    • An appropriate response might be: The larger question of women's rights relates to my research about the laws governing maternity leave, and the corresponding statistics relating to working mothers' professional outcomes.

  • Approaches to Your Body Paragraphs

    • Pounding statistic after statistic into a paragraph may seem convincing as you're writing, but it might have the opposite effect and make the reader disengage.

  • Browsing Content and Text Online

    • Do you want facts, opinions, statistics, quotes?