A Step-by-Step Approach to Using SAS® for Univariate & Multivariate Statistics, Second Edition

Introduction: Thinking about the Number and Scale of Your Variables

Researchers are often confused by the task of choosing the correct statistical procedure for analyzing a given dataset. There are so many procedures from which to choose that it is easy to become frustrated, not knowing where to begin. This appendix addresses this problem by providing a relatively simple system for classifying statistics. It provides a structured approach that should make it easier to find the appropriate statistical procedure for a wide variety of circumstances.

In a sense, most statistical procedures involve examining the relationship between two variables (or two sets of variables). In a given study, the outcome variable that you are interested in is called ...