Inferential Statistics in Psychology
Study Edexcel Psychology inferential-statistics questions by choosing tests, using significance levels and interpreting probability-based conclusions.
- Syllabus
- 2026
- Course
- Psychology XPS01/YPS01
- Level
- A2
Study Edexcel Psychology inferential-statistics questions by choosing tests, using significance levels and interpreting probability-based conclusions.
Daisy wanted to use a correlational research method to investigate whether aggression and exposure to media violence were linked. She decided to use a questionnaire to gather her data.
Daisy completed her investigation and analysed her data. She scored responses to the questionnaires for aggression, with a score of 20 indicating very aggressive. Daisy also scored the exposure to media violence, with a score of 20 indicating significant exposure to media violence.
Calculate the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient for the data gathered by Daisy by completing Table 2.
The formulae and statistical tables can be found at the front of this paper.
You must show your working out and give your answer to three decimal places.

Table 2 Space for calculations
Spearman's rank correlation coefficient
Credit one mark for a correct completion of column d Credit one mark for a correct completion of column d 2 Credit one mark for a correct substitution into the equation Credit one mark for a correct answer to three decimal places = 0.643
For example;
\begin{tabular}[t]{|l|l|l|l|l|l|}
\hline Score for
aggression
out of 20
Rank 1
Score for
exposure
to media
violence
out of 20
Rank 2
d
d2
9
4
10
4
0
15
7
13
6
1
14
6
18
8
-2
8
3
5
1
2
19
8
14
7
1
3
1
7
2
-1
11
5
9
3
2
4
2
11
5
-3
Total for \boldsymbol{d^{\boldsymbol{2}}}
\end{tabular}
1−n(n2−1)6Σd2=1−8(64−1)144=1−504144=1−0.286=0.714
Look for other reasonable marking points.
\end{tabular}
(4)
Interpret the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient from 8(c) in terms of the strength and direction for Daisy's investigation.
AO2 (2 marks)
Credit up to two marks for an accurate interpretation in relation to the
scenario (AO2).
For example:
- 0.714 shows a positive correlation between exposure to media
violence and aggression (1) which can be considered as a strong
relationship between aggression and media violence as 0.714 is
close to 1 (1).
Look for other reasonable marking points.
Generic answers score 0 marks.
(2)