EXAMINATION OF BASIC DATA MEASUREMENT SCALES AND STATISTICAL TECHNIQUES TESTS RELEVANCE IN CONTEMPORARY BUSINESS MANAGEMENT RESEARCH: A DISCOURSE

The knowledge of the specific scale of data measurement and selection of the appropriate statistical techniques test is the most difficult, yet the most important of the research process and statistical decision making. This study empirically examined the four basic measure scales of data measurement, the basic statistical tests and the highlight of the purposes and types of data required for each managerial decision making in the basic statistical test of significance. Their relative computational examples of practical relevance in contemporary business management research and management were also highlighted. The basic data measurements scales considered are: nominal, ordinal, interval and ratio, while the basic statistical test of significance tools examined include: the Chi-square test, the Student t-test, the Z-score test, the Pearson Product Moment Correlation; the Spearman's Rank Order Correlation; the Simple Regressional Analysis, as well as the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). In each of the cases, the study examined the type of data appropriate for the chosen scale of measurement and techniques. Relevant hypotheses relating to each case were also posited and analysis was done for management guides and decisions. The description of these basic scales and statistical techniques tests and their importance when considering and choosing how to go about measuring the variables that may be considered in the research study were also discussed and conclusions made. Appropriate scale usage and analytical techniques were also recommended.