Difficulties Determining Appropriate Statistical Techniques Facing Researchers in Social Sciences at King Faisal University  / Aldullah Omar Alnajjar

In the field of the social and behavioral sciences, sometimes one can find contradictory results concerning the same topic. The present study investigates some misuses of statistics which cause some of these contradictions. It is known that every statistical method has its limits and uses, which makes it effective for testing particular hypotheses. The main questions of the present study can be summarized as follims What is the role of statistics in the social sciences? What are the major problems faced by King Faisal University staff in using statistical procedures? What are the best criteria for selecting the suitable statistical method? The study has identified some common problems faLing researchers in social sciences at King Faisal University in selecting the appropriate statistical tool. First, there is uncertainty about the statistical tool needed for a given research. Secondly, there is a common belief that the more advanced the tool is the better the research will be. Thirdly, there is inadequate attention given to the size and the type of the sample. Fourthly, there is inadequate attention to the data of the study. Fifthly. there is inadequate attention to the approach adopted in the study. The present results can be summarized in the tbllowing points: , 1,  The research problem is not utterly clear in the mind of the researcher. , 2,  The aim of the research is not clear in the mind of the researcher. , 3,  There is a correlation between choosing the appropriate statistical method and direct inVol.vement of the researcher in collecting and analyzing the data by her/himself , 4,  There are significant differences between researchers who carry out the analysis personally and those who delegate it to an assistant. , 5,  There is no significant difference in the above problems between male and female staff at Kin2, Faisal University.