Chi square analysis can be applied in various levels of work within the nursing profession. The analysis is useful in making judgments of a specific sample based on the characteristics of the population. Thus, chi square analysis is vital in undertaking researches which are based on nursing. It is helpful in testing hypothesis in research so as to make inferences that would be appropriate to answer the research problem. In research work, the Pearson’s chi square is used to show the relation between various variables under scrutiny. This analysis method can also be used to perform statistical tests on given data. These tests can either be parametric tests or non parametric tests. Parametric tests are done with regards to distributions and assumptions whereas non parametric tests are done without using any distributions or following certain assumptions. Therefore, chi square analysis would be core in analyzing the data collected from any study even if not in the nursing field. However, chi square analysis can also be used in the organizational level to make some observations and also come up with some specific inferences or hypotheses based on the organizational needs.
Consequently, chi square analysis works under some given assumptions. To begin with, it requires the use of frequency data which represents the actual number of elements in every grouping. While using chi square analysis, the groups are always mutually exclusive such that they cannot overlap in different cells. It also follows that chi square analysis applies a theoretical basis in the grouping of the variables under study. This analysis also makes use of nominal data which is categorical in nature (Polit, 1996). Lastly, the analysis assumes that the expected results count must be less than five but greater than one. A specialized use of chi square analysis taking in account these assumptions would help the researcher to draw relevant inferences from the study and also gather important information for answering the study problem. It is therefore evident that statistics form an essential part in studying various disciplines in the education world. Since students have to undertake researches and consequently analyze their results using various statistical tools.
However, with the widespread use of statistics in learning and research, there have been various instances of people using statistics inappropriately. This is in light with the very many benefits that statistics accrue to people. It is advisable that before deciding to use a specific statistical tool, it would be important to check its usability on the topic in study. This is also attached to the assumptions that were earlier discussed. If the problem in study does violate one of the assumptions which are applicable to the statistical tool then it would not be functional in that given study (Polit & Polit, 2010). Hence, in such a circumstance the statistical tool is used inappropriately. For instance, an individual using the CS Pro statistical tool to analyze the data of a small organization is using that statistic improperly.
This is due to the fact that this statistical package is used to analyze the populations of large environments even if it’s the whole country. Hence, using it to conduct a small study would be out of place. In conclusion, a lot of people use statistics appropriately in their work whereas others misuse statistics in various ways as the engage in the study. It is important that people note the requirements of a given statistical tool and also the assumptions or conditions that it works best under. This would help to ensure that all statistics are used appropriately either in researches or at the working level.
References
Polit, D. (1996). Data analysis & statistics for nursing research. Stamford, Conn: Appleton & Lange.
Polit, D., & Polit, D. (2010). Statistics and data analysis for nursing research. Boston: Pearson.
