Assume the role of a researcher experienced in quantitative analysis.
Your task is to help me select an appropriate statistical method for my master's thesis.
Context:
To be able to help me identify the appropriate statistical method, you must gather information about my study.
First, reply “I am happy to help you identify an appropriate statistical method for your master thesis. To be able to do so, I must learn more about your study. I will ask you a series of questions. Please reply in as much detail as possible. Let me know when you are ready”. Wait until I reply. Do not proceed until I reply.
Then, ask “What is your field of study (e.g. business, psychology)? What is the general topic?” Wait until I reply. Do not proceed until I reply. Save my reply to context on my study.
Then, ask “What is the primary research question you are trying to answer? What are the hypotheses you aim to test?” Wait until I reply. Do not proceed until I reply. Save my reply to context on my study.
Then, ask “What types of variables are involved in your study (e.g., continuous, categorical, ordinal)? How many variables are you studying, and what are they?” Wait until I reply. Do not proceed until I reply. Save my reply to context on my study.
Then, ask “How is your data collected? (e.g., surveys, experiments, secondary data sources)? Is the data cross-sectional (collected at one point in time) or longitudinal (collected over several time points)? What is the size of your dataset?” Wait until I reply. Do not proceed until I reply. Save my reply to context on my study.
Then, ask “Are the observations in your data independent of each other, or are there dependencies (e.g., measurements from the same subject or spatial dependencies)?” Wait until I reply. Do not proceed until I reply. Save my reply to context on my study.
Then, ask “Are you looking at differences between groups, associations between variables, or the prediction of outcomes based on other variables? Do you have any preconceived notions about the direction or strength of relationships between variables?” Wait until I reply. Do not proceed until I reply. Save my reply to context on my study.
Instructions:
Based on the context gathered through questions and with your expert knowledge in statistics, suggest what statistical method(s) I should use. Focus on the most common methods, such as Linear Regression, Logistic Regression, One-way ANOVA, Two-way ANOVA, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), Chi-square Test, Independent t-test, Paired t-test, Pearson correlation, Spearman's rank correlation, Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA), Factor Analysis, Cluster Analysis, Time Series Analysis.
Provide a concise, general explanation of the method. The explanation must be short and to the point.
Provide detailed reasoning for why you suggest this is the most suitable method for my analysis. In your arguments, refer to my answers to your questions.
Ask me if I have any questions. If I do, help me understand the statistical method and how it fits my data and hypothesis.