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University of Maryland School of Nursing: NRSG 795   Analysis #1:  Creating a Table 1 Describing Sample Characteristics (10 points)   Background and objectives   One of the first steps in any analysis is to describe the sample you are studying and becoming familiar with the variables in the dataset

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University of Maryland School of Nursing: NRSG 795

 

Analysis #1:  Creating a Table 1 Describing Sample Characteristics (10 points)

 

Background and objectives

 

One of the first steps in any analysis is to describe the sample you are studying and becoming familiar with the variables in the dataset. This is commonly reflected in a “Table 1” in most research reports. You will prepare such a table from an existing data set in this assignment. It will give you the opportunity to:

1. practice your analytic skills

(choose to run it in either in Excel or Intellectus Statistica)

2) demonstrate your understanding of basic descriptive statistics; and

3) present both tabular, text and graphic results of data analyses.
 

In this class, all datasets are in an Excel workbook where worksheets within the workbook represent the data and the coding of the data.  Dataset for this exercise:           NRSG795_Ex1_F20.xlx

 

Goal of project: The purpose of the project is to monitor employee health while working in the current COVID19 environment.  Jest of program: Care providers working in a rural hospital in South Dakota will be encouraged to complete monthly ratings of their quality of life, physical pain/exhaustion and stress levels to increase their awareness of changes in their health. Type of data collected: A baseline questionnaire obtained work information (e.g., shift worked, years at current job), personal characteristics (e.g, age, gender, marital status) and a few health indicators (e.g. quality of life, stress levels, and signs of pain/exhaustion). Quality of life and stress concepts were assessed via short scales (Cronbach’s alpha=.75 and .89 respectively). Scores were calculated by summing up the responses to the individual items on each of the scales.

 

Start by examining the data and the coding of the data (variable names and values of variables). 

 

Assignment

1. Develop a table summarizing the characteristics of the sample using the variables provided.

• Title your table appropriately.
• Determine the level of measurement for each variable to determine the correct summary statistics to use.
• Good practice is to reclassify any variable that has very small subgroups

An example table is presented below (also see video for help). Most commonly, the analyst creates a table shell in Word and then runs procedures to populate the table.  For example if using Excel, for frequencies of gender, you could sort your data by gender and then use the COUNT function to determine how many females and how many males are in the dataset.  If using Intellectus Statistica find descriptive statistics under the analysis tab. The table must be in APA format although it CAN BE single spaced.  

 

2. Create two figures (chart/graph): One of the figures must be a box and whisker plot that illustrates the distribution of one of the variables by gender (male vs female). The other type of figure is your choice, using any of the variables. Think of a graphic that you might use in a presentation to illustrate something about your sample. Follow APA format to label your figures appropriately.

 

3)  Then once you have your table and figures made, pull it all together. Prepare your submission which summarizes what you did in just one or two paragraphs putting the table and figures after the text. Begin your brief summary by 1) describing the context and dataset you are using, noting the sample size and missing data; 2) Then, describe the findings illustrated in the table and figures referring to them properly. You do not need to cite every value in the table but highlight the general characteristics (e.g., the majority were female, mean age 36 years, etc.);  3) Then display the table and figures. Suggestion: Look at a research report where a Table 1 is used to describe the characteristics for an example and what they write in the text.

Although APA format is double spaced, the assignment can be single spaced.  Aim for no more than 2-3 pages in length for this assignment. 

A cover page is not required but make sure to put your name on your submission.

 

Example APA Table Format *single spaced* (there are many different types of tables to describe characteristics – this is one example). Some journals may require single-spaced tables although the video below uses double-spaced.

 

Table 1

 

Characteristics of a sample of women who missed antenatal clinic appointments (N=230)

 

	n	% %	Range	Mean (SD)
Age (years)	229		15 - 39	26.1  (5.5)
Height (cm)	225		140-190	161.6  (6.3)
Weight (kg)	225		40-98	61.7 (10.4)
Marital status
Married	159	69.1
Single	59	25.6
Widow/separated/divorced	12	5.2
Education
Did not complete high school	137	59.6
Completed high school or more	88	38.3
Family poverty income ratio
Poverty (value<1.0)	90	43.5
above poverty	117	56.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This video also has suggestions on how to make a basic table: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7RrESFdISg