The Precision-Power-Gradient Theory for Teaching Basic Research Statistical Tools to Graduate Students.

This paper relates educational and psychological statistics to certain "Research Statistical Tools" (RSTs) necessary to accomplish and understand general research in the behavioral sciences. Emphasis is placed on acquiring an effective understanding of the RSTs and to this end they are are ordered to a continuum scale in terms of individual precision, power, and robustness. The Precision-Power-Gradient theory is suggested as a means of structuring an introductory graduate course in statistics. Twelve RSTs are considered, ranging from normative comparisons (at the simplest level), through parametric/non-parametric statistics, analysis of variance and covariance, correlations, factor analysis, to canonical correlation analysis, and, briefly, other advanced techniques. Equally important is a working knowledge of the computer, which enables the RSTs to be used with greater facility and accuracy. Computer orientation should include a basic knowledge of FORTRAN programming, nature and availability of computer-based statistical libraries, the ability to utilize such libraries, with a general understanding of computer output. (Author/AE)