Inferential statistics

Chapter 13 of Performing Music Research outlines a range of statistical approaches designed to identify associations (or “relationships”) between variables. it starts with correlation and regression, which allow the nature and strength of the relationships between two or more variables to be quantified. Next, it considers approaches with specific applications: analyzing relationships between categorical variables; testing the reliability of questionnaires and raters; reducing a large number of variables to a smaller number of underlying factors; and understanding complex interactions within networks of variables. The chapter sets out examples of the situations in which each test can be used, provides guidance on conducting it using standard statistical software, and advises on how best to interpret and report its results.