IOP2601/MO001/4/2016

LEARNING UNIT 3:

Basic mathematical calculations used

in statistics

Numbers: a part of life

Nowadays, numbers are all around us think for a moment how much of your day you spend
working with numbers.
Numbers and quantification offer us a very special language which enables us to express
ourselves in exact terms. This special language is called mathematics. Just as you have to
know the basic rules of a language to express yourself in that particular language, for
example English, Zulu or Afrikaans, you need to know the basic rules of mathematics in order
to communicate effectively with figures.
As you will have noticed, this module has a lot to do with numbers. You should have a basic
knowledge of arithmetic although you do NOT need matric mathematics to pass this
module. So you do not have to be a brilliant mathematician. All you need to know is the basic
principles of arithmetic in order to understand the statistical computations in this module.
In order to fully comprehend a module on statistics you will need to be able to do basic
mathematical calculations. Unfortunately, many students of Psychology (and Industrial
Psychology) experience some discomfort, anxiety and fear when having to deal with anything
mathematical such as formulas, calculations, analysis and yes, of course, statistics!

Pocket calculators: essential for survival

You will need a pocket calculator to help you with statistical analyses this year. If you do not
have a calculator, you will have to purchase one. A small, cheap model will do. To make your
life easier we recommend that your pocket calculator should have at least square root () and
memory (M+) facilities.

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Structure of this learning unit

This learning unit contains all the mathematical background information for this module. It
consists of basic work involving numbers, equations, substitutions and summations, as well
as the reading and understanding of graphs. You should be able to perform all the different
arithmetical or mathematical operations (Tutorials 23 and 24) and read and understand the
graphs (Tutorial 25) included in this learning unit in order to perform the statistics of this
module.
The information in this learning unit forms part of your prior learning and some of you may
already have a good grounding in basic work with numbers and arithmetical operations. For
this reason we would like you to complete the self-tests for Tutorials 23 and 24. The self-test
for Tutorial 23 is Self-test 23.1 on page 445, and the self-test for Tutorial 24 is Self-test 24.1
on page 462 in Tredoux and Durrheim (2013). Complete these self-tests so that you can
decide for yourself whether or not you need to study Tutorials 23 and 24. If you decide this is
not necessary, study Tutorial 25 only on the reading and understanding of graphs.
We trust your interest in the specific questions being asked will guide you through any
possible fear of mathematics. The numerical aspect becomes merely a stepping-stone
towards being able to answer interesting questions. In this way you will hopefully forget to be
fearful about numbers, calculations and formulas. If your background in mathematics is not
very strong, you may need to work through Tutorials 23 and 24 of the prescribed book
several times to gain the required confidence and skills. However, your sense of achievement
when you are able to do the required calculations confidently will more than make up for the
effort required to master these skills.
The three tutorials covering the mathematical background and graphs, and which you have to
work through on your own for this learning unit, are
x

Tutorial 23: Basic work with numbers

This is an arithmetical review that teaches you how to perform simple algebraic
operations.
Students who dont like or are afraid that they cant do calculations typically freeze when
they see formulas because it implies calculations! A formula can be broken down into
basic calculations so if you have worked through the summary exercises in Tutorial 23
of the prescribed textbook you should be able to do any of the calculations that may be
required to solve problems and obtain answers to questions.

Tutorial 24: Equations, substitution and summation

We also deal with summation notation so that you will understand the meaning of the
various symbols to enable you to do arithmetical computations.

Tutorial 25: Reading and understanding graphs

This tutorial deals with graphs, which are a way of making numerical information visual.

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Having completed learning unit 3, you should know and be

able to use the following:
x
x
x
x
x
x

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the various standard arithmetical symbols

addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of
positive and negative numbers
computations between brackets
simple algebraic computations
the notation system used for arithmetical computations
how to draw, interpret and understand simple line
graphs and category plots