| mchan |
Student |
Oct 26, 11, 03:00PM
| #1 |
Joined: Oct 26, 11
Threads: 1
Posts: 5
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Hi, I was wondering if thesis writers are expected to know how to use SPSS and stats analysis in their methodology.
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| pheelyks |
Writer |
Oct 26, 11, 03:31PM
| #2 |
Joined: Jan 20, 09
Threads: 8
Posts: 3,836
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Nope. Not only are most not going to have access to the SPSS software (updating with the latest version is expensive, and as writers in this industry are freelancers they aren't likely to invest in this the way research institutions and companies do), but very few writers in this industry that I've come across have any working knowledge of statistics (even finding a writer to take a basic math order can be difficult).
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| mchan |
Student |
Oct 26, 11, 04:06PM
| #3 |
Joined: Oct 26, 11
Threads: 1
Posts: 5
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So how do you recommend I go about finding help for this kind of thesis work? Or do you suggest I start teaching myself stats?
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| pheelyks |
Writer |
Oct 26, 11, 04:41PM
| #4 |
Joined: Jan 20, 09
Threads: 8
Posts: 3,836
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mchan: Or do you suggest I start teaching myself stats?
Well, presumably you're in school for something that relates to/requires stats knowledge, so maybe you have an instructor that can help you out?
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| EW_writer |
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Oct 27, 11, 02:58AM
| #5 |
Joined: Jul 2, 07
Threads: 27
Posts: 2,239
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mchan: Hi, I was wondering if thesis writers are expected to know how to use SPSS and stats analysis in their methodology.
Yes. Thesis writers have to be adept with a diverse array of data analysis techniques. Some may specialize in quantitative methods (those that use statistics) while others in qualitative methods (those that do not use statistics), but the best thesis writers are those who know their way around both. ^___^
pheelyks: Not only are most not going to have access to the SPSS software (updating with the latest version is expensive,
You don't need to update SPSS to its latest version. I own a full version of SPSS v 17 which I acquired years ago. Despite how complicated many of the projects that I undertake are, I have never felt the need to get an upgrade.
pheelyks: but very few writers in this industry that I've come across have any working knowledge of statistics (even finding a writer to take a basic math order can be difficult).
Very true. ^______^ That's why thesis orders are more expensive than essay orders. The expertise needed to conduct either quantitative or qualitative analysis is often absent in the typical writer.
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| MeoKhan |
Writer |
Oct 27, 11, 06:04PM
| #6 |
Joined: Jan 9, 11
Threads: 4
Posts: 1,118
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This is some valuable discussion, indeed. It's true that many writers (word smart) do not have a flare for statistics and vice versa.
I'd like to add that it solely depends on the research paradigm a study is situated in. Naturalistic research tends to focus on processes; however, the positivistic standpoint looks at stats. These days growing insight into research suggest we look at both processes and stats. This way more and more credibility is being attached to studies that can bring both the elements. At least descriptive stats aligned with qualitative methods.
FYI: I am also quite proficient in SPSS and EViews.
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| EW_writer |
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Oct 27, 11, 07:15PM
| #7 |
Joined: Jul 2, 07
Threads: 27
Posts: 2,239
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MeoKhan: This is some valuable discussion, indeed. It's true that many writers (word smart) do not have a flare for statistics and vice versa.
and then there are those who have a flair for neither, but say (and sometimes even think) that they do. ^____^
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| becky2011 |
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Oct 27, 11, 07:57PM
| #8 |
Joined: Oct 27, 11
Posts: 8
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SPSS was a thorn in my studies. So complicated and confusing I chose to change my entire methodology just to avoid SPSS. If you can avoid it then avoid it
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| MeoKhan |
Writer |
Oct 28, 11, 05:11AM
| #9 |
Joined: Jan 9, 11
Threads: 4
Posts: 1,118
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becky2011: methodology just to avoid SPSS
Stats and SPSS are not as complex as they seem in the first place.
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| MeoKhan |
Writer |
Oct 28, 11, 05:14AM
| #10 |
Joined: Jan 9, 11
Threads: 4
Posts: 1,118
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That was a slip because I was too occupied by my current paper. I don't think other (including you) haven't had such slips.
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| EW_writer |
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Edited by: EW_writer Oct 28, 11, 09:12AM
| #11 |
Joined: Jul 2, 07
Threads: 27
Posts: 2,239
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MeoKhan: Stats and SPSS are not as complex as they seem in the first place.
Stats and SPSS are not as complex as they seem at first.
MeoKhan: I don't think other (including you) haven't had such slips.
Double negative, missing "s."
Improvement: I think others (including you) have had such slips.
IMO, it would also sound better with a "that" between "think" and "others."
Sigh...
EW_writer: and then there are those who have a flair for neither, but say ( and sometimes even think) that they do. ^____^
Tsk tsk...I wonder how often your "slips" find their way in your "projects." ^___^
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| MeoKhan |
Writer |
Oct 28, 11, 03:57PM
| #12 |
Joined: Jan 9, 11
Threads: 4
Posts: 1,118
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Lolz! I am smiling at your pointers. This is very certain from the post these are typos and slips. I don't really care for such slips to happen; they maybe numerous, but here on this forum. When I know I am paid to do some writing, it's my first and foremost job to review the final product carefully to make sure no such errors and/or slips remain.
You know very well MSWord detects them easily. I hope this answers your question.
EW_writer: as they seem at first.
And here you're simply objecting to a deviation from the linguistic norm you may follow in your sociolinguistic context. I am free to show such deviations, and others like it, because I don't interact only with people from your sociolinguistic context.
This is what also tells others I am a non-native writer; which I already have stated so many times. I hope it makes you happy.
EW_writer: I think others (including you) have had such slips.
I am sure you were quick enough to arrive at the meaning you implied from my actual sentence. That was perfectly alright.
You need to read my sentence carefully and... cool-mindedly. :)
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| MeoKhan |
Writer |
Oct 28, 11, 04:00PM
| #13 |
Joined: Jan 9, 11
Threads: 4
Posts: 1,118
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Yours is certainly the approach known in applied linguistic research as "prescriptive approach". I'd suggest you go and read something on it.
FYI: This approach was abandoned decades ago. You will find my response when you something on PA. Cheers.
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| MeoKhan |
Writer |
Oct 28, 11, 04:03PM
| #14 |
Joined: Jan 9, 11
Threads: 4
Posts: 1,118
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EW_writer: Stats and SPSS
I am sure the basic reason that made you go mad aleck at me is NOT the slips my posts show; it's only because you didn't imagine I'd post something regarding my knowledge of SPSS. I wonder if you ever heard Eviews.
So anyone can learn SPSS; ESL writers like me too. Or you think learning it is the right of native speakers ONLY?
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| MeoKhan |
Writer |
Oct 28, 11, 04:05PM
| #15 |
Joined: Jan 9, 11
Threads: 4
Posts: 1,118
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You can see - your post is EDITED!!! None of my posts in this thread is edited. I hope you understand what I am trying to convey :-).
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| glasseater |
Student |
Oct 28, 11, 04:06PM
| #16 |
Joined: Oct 28, 11
Threads: 1
Posts: 2
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Book with a tutor a session, it will be very helpful.
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| MeoKhan |
Writer |
Oct 28, 11, 04:09PM
| #17 |
Joined: Jan 9, 11
Threads: 4
Posts: 1,118
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Thanks for the advice. Whom is the precious advice for anyway?
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| editor75 |
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Oct 28, 11, 05:06PM
| #18 |
Joined: Dec 18, 10
Threads: 6
Posts: 999
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MeoKhan: a flare for statistics
are you saying here that you are so destructive when you attempt a statistical analysis in English, that the paper actually bursts into flames?
MeoKhan, you need to learn the difference between a "slip" and a "global error."
a slip is when you type too fast, and eht words soemtimes... get it? it's a mistake, best left ignored.
a "global error" is when you do something ignorant, because you don't know any better, and look like a jackass. your heroes pheelyks (basic contractions) and WB (confused homonyms) make them regularly, and are similarly resistant to correction... which is good, from your perspective, right? you want to fit in with them, don't you?
from another perspective, unlike a slip, a global error demands correction... for which you should thank EW, rather than lashing out in your guilt and shame, and making pathetic excuses to justify your ignorance.
good luck. remember-- learning is a lifelong process. English is a very hard language to master, and I know it can be frustrating. try listening to people who try to correct your global errors. otherwise, your errors are going to persist.
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| WritersBeware |
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Edited by: WritersBeware Oct 28, 11, 05:17PM
| #19 |
Joined: Apr 19, 07
Threads: 152
Posts: 8,678
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editor75: WB (confused homonyms)
Show one example, you lying coward. (By the way, as much as she'd love to be able to do so, EW won't support your claim because she knows that you're wrong.)
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| WritersBeware |
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Oct 28, 11, 05:20PM
| #20 |
Joined: Apr 19, 07
Threads: 152
Posts: 8,678
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editor75: a global error demands correction...
Editor75's incessant and blatantly incorrect use of ellipses is a prime example.
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| EW_writer |
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Edited by: EW_writer Oct 28, 11, 05:41PM
| #21 |
Joined: Jul 2, 07
Threads: 27
Posts: 2,239
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MeoKhan: I don't really care for such slips to happen
I'm sure potential clients would be glad to know this. ;p
MeoKhan: And here you're simply objecting to a deviation from the linguistic norm you may follow in your sociolinguistic context.
No. Your use of "in the first place" is completely whack. You have it completely confused with "at first." This is similar to your confusion between "flare" and "flair."
MeoKhan: Yours is certainly the approach known in applied linguistic research as "prescriptive approach".
Awww... nice shield. Sadly, it doesn't apply to you. I actually also do not believe in prescriptive language. My opinion is that in order for a sentence to be correct, it should in the first place, make sense. Prescriptive correctness is only a secondary concern, and one that can sometimes be ignored. At first, you may find it difficult to grasp the difference between prescriptive and descriptive language. In the first place, you are a non-native speaker like you said. Yet although you may never develop a flair for the English language, it should not be a cause for you to flare up in this forum.
WritersBeware: EW won't support your claim because she knows that you're wrong.)
Sorry, but I agree with editor75. I think that you're a confused homo too. ROFLMAO!!!
Edit:
MeoKhan: You can see - your post is EDITED!!! None of my posts in this thread is edited.
Yes, I usually edit when I add to my previous post since the system does not allow double posts. Your point? :p
By the way, "As you can see" would have been much better. Also, if I was a prescriptive f*ck (like our confused homo), I'd point out that it should be "None of my posts are..." However, I'm not, and I think that "is" and "are" in that position are both acceptable.
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| WritersBeware |
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Oct 28, 11, 06:26PM
| #22 |
Joined: Apr 19, 07
Threads: 152
Posts: 8,678
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EW_writer: Sorry, but I agree with editor75. I think that you're a confused homo too.
Yeah, that's what I thought. You know that my writing is virtually flawless. You won't support any of Rusty's asinine claims about my writing skills because you know that he's off his rocker.
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| WritersBeware |
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Edited by: WritersBeware Oct 28, 11, 06:35PM
| #23 |
Joined: Apr 19, 07
Threads: 152
Posts: 8,678
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EW_writer: I'd point out that it should be " None of my posts are..."
W
O
W
Thank you, once again, for revealing the inferior nature of your writing skills. For goodness' sake, if you're going to chastise an admitted ESL writer about his writing "mistake," you should have the remedial ability to provide a correct version. He's correct. You're wrong.
As far as verb agreement is concerned, "none" is the same as "no one" or "not one." Therefore, it should be "None of my posts IS . . . ."
As I've communicated to Rusty in the past, please do all learners a favor by keeping your "teaching" to a minimum.
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| EW_writer |
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Oct 28, 11, 07:18PM
| #24 |
Joined: Jul 2, 07
Threads: 27
Posts: 2,239
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WritersBeware: As far as verb agreement is concerned, "none" is the same as "no one" or "not one." Therefore, it should be "None of my posts IS . . . ."
Which is why like I said:
EW_writer: Also, if I was a prescriptive f*ck (like our confused homo), I'd point out that it should be "None of my posts are..." However, I'm not, and I think that "is" and "are" in that position are both acceptable.
"... and then there were none." The closing words of this well-known nursery rhyme should dispel the notion that none can only take a singular verb. People opposing the plural use base their argument on the fact that none comes from the Old English word an, meaning "one." But the citational evidence against restricting none is overwhelming. None has been used as both a singular and plural pronoun since the ninth century. The plural usage appears in the King James Bible as well as the works of John Dryden and Edmund Burke and is widespread in the works of respected writers today.
- The American Heritage Book of English Usage: A Practical and Authoritative Guide to Contemporary English
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| editor75 |
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Edited by: editor75 Oct 28, 11, 07:24PM
| #25 |
Joined: Dec 18, 10
Threads: 6
Posts: 999
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WritersBeware: as far as verb agreement is concerned, "none" is the same as "no one" or "not one." Therefore, it should be "None of my posts IS . . . ."
nice try.
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| EW_writer |
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Edited by: EW_writer Oct 28, 11, 07:32PM
| #26 |
Joined: Jul 2, 07
Threads: 27
Posts: 2,239
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editor75: unfortunately for "teach" here, posts are countable. How many posts are there? There are none. How much traffic is there? There is none. get it?
Precisely. But again this is prescriptive, and I'd like to point out that in the first place, I did not fault Meo for his use of "is." ^___^
Meo, I hope that you now understand what prescriptive language is, and why it was not a proper defense for you to claim that I was being prescriptive in my faulting you for your use of "in the first place" and "flare."
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| WritersBeware |
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Edited by: WritersBeware Oct 28, 11, 08:08PM
| #27 |
Joined: Apr 19, 07
Threads: 152
Posts: 8,678
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EW_writer: "... and then there were none." The closing words of this well-known nursery rhyme should dispel the notion that none can only take a singular verb. People opposing the plural use base their argument on the fact that none comes from the Old English word an, meaning "one." But the citational evidence against restricting none is overwhelming. None has been used as both a singular and plural pronoun since the ninth century. The plural usage appears in the King James Bible as well as the works of John Dryden and Edmund Burke and is widespread in the works of respected writers today. - The American Heritage Book of English Usage: A Practical and Authoritative Guide to Contemporary English
First of all, there will always be apologists. You are a perfect example.
Secondly, "... and then there were none" is NOT the same way in which you used the words.
Thirdly, "your" position (nice Googling, by the way) is that those classic/ancient writers are infallible. THAT is your argument? Really? They are old, so they must be correct? FYI, human error is not solely a modern phenomenon.
Finally, modern dictionaries support my position regarding the precise manner in which you incorrectly used the words:
--------------------
none
1. no one; not one: None of the members is going.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/none
--------------------
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| EW_writer |
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Oct 28, 11, 08:22PM
| #28 |
Joined: Jul 2, 07
Threads: 27
Posts: 2,239
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WritersBeware: Finally, modern dictionaries support my position regarding the precise manner in which you incorrectly used the words:
What makes your reference right and my reference wrong? Mine comes from a book while yours comes from some .com dictionary. Tsk tsk... this is once again an example of your prescriptive thinking. You believe that somehow, there has to be a right rule where in some cases, there simply isn't one and both are acceptable. :p The idea that there is more to language than prescriptive rules is lost to you, and that is really sad.
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| pheelyks |
Writer |
Oct 28, 11, 08:25PM
| #29 |
Joined: Jan 20, 09
Threads: 8
Posts: 3,836
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editor75: pheelyks (basic contractions)
The one slip in months (yes, repeated a few times) that you keep referring to is actually a homophone substitution. It's sad that this is still such a big deal for you, especially since you keep claiming that you aren't obsessed with me.
editor75: are similarly resistant to correction
I openly acknowledge my errors whenever I make them. You, on the other hand, make up facts, lie, and then lie about making up facts and lying. I'd say that leads to some "global errors" in logic and reliability.
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| WritersBeware |
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Oct 28, 11, 08:28PM
| #30 |
Joined: Apr 19, 07
Threads: 152
Posts: 8,678
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EW_writer: some .com dictionary
Nice try. It is THE online dictionary (dictionary.com).
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| EW_writer |
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Oct 28, 11, 08:53PM
| #31 |
Joined: Jul 2, 07
Threads: 27
Posts: 2,239
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WritersBeware: Nice try. It is THE online dictionary (dictionary.com).
WOW... THE online dictionary, huh? You really are a prescriptive nutjob. :p
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| WritersBeware |
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Edited by: WritersBeware Oct 28, 11, 08:55PM
| #32 |
Joined: Apr 19, 07
Threads: 152
Posts: 8,678
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EW_writer: WOW... THE online dictionary, huh? You really are a prescriptive nutjob. :p
You know perfectly well what I mean by "THE," but since you've painfully lost the argument, you are once again trying to distract with nonsense. By "THE," I mean the most popular and widely-used dictionary on the Web.
Oh, and I just love how you lean on the "prescriptive" crutch every time you make a mistake. Tell me, if you were to get pulled over for speeding, would you tell the cop that his use of the radar gun is "prescriptive"?
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| EW_writer |
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Edited by: EW_writer Oct 28, 11, 09:01PM
| #33 |
Joined: Jul 2, 07
Threads: 27
Posts: 2,239
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WritersBeware: By "THE," I mean the most popular and widely-used dictionary on the Web.
ROFLMAO!! That was precisely what I thought you meant. Oh, did you think that I was calling you on some prescriptive error? No. I was expressing my amusement on how desperate you are in claiming that your .com dictionary is better than any other resource.
WritersBeware: lean on the "prescriptive" crutch every time you make a mistake.
Except I'm not. My claim is that "are" is the prescriptively correct word to use in the given sentence, but that it doesn't matter since it has no descriptive significance.
Catch.
none
4.
(used with a plural verb) no or not any persons or things: I left three pies on the table and now there are none. None were left when I came.
Since none has the meanings "not one" and "not any," some insist that it always be treated as a singular and be followed by a singular verb: The rescue party searched for survivors, but none was found. However, none has been used with both singular and plural verbs since the 9th century. When the sense is "not any persons or things" (as in the example above), the plural is more common: ... none were found.
Source: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/none
You really should look before you leap. :p
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| WritersBeware |
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Oct 28, 11, 10:36PM
| #34 |
Joined: Apr 19, 07
Threads: 152
Posts: 8,678
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EW_writer: claiming that your .com dictionary is better than any other resource.
I bet that you can't quote me claiming such, liar.
EW_writer: none 4. (used with a plural verb) no or not any persons or things: I left three pies on the table and now there are none. None were left when I came.
Again, that is NOT the manner in which you used the words—end of story.
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| editor75 |
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Edited by: editor75 Oct 28, 11, 10:50PM
| #35 |
Joined: Dec 18, 10
Threads: 6
Posts: 999
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pheelyks: you keep claiming that you aren't obsessed with me.
I think it's really interesting what you're doing here.
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| EW_writer |
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Oct 28, 11, 10:59PM
| #36 |
Joined: Jul 2, 07
Threads: 27
Posts: 2,239
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WritersBeware: Again, that is NOT the manner in which you used the words—end of story.
(used with a plural verb) no or not any persons or things:
Yes, it was. ^_^
WritersBeware: I bet that you can't quote me claiming such, liar.
WritersBeware: Thirdly, "your" position (nice Googling, by the way) is that those classic/ancient writers are infallible. THAT is your argument? Really? They are old, so they must be correct? FYI, human error is not solely a modern phenomenon. Finally, modern dictionaries support my position regarding the precise manner in which you incorrectly used the words:
Sigh... happy landings. ^_^
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| WritersBeware |
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Oct 29, 11, 12:55PM
| #37 |
Joined: Apr 19, 07
Threads: 152
Posts: 8,678
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EW_writer: claiming that your .com dictionary is better than any other resource
Where do I claim that dictionary.com is "better than any other source"? Back up your lies, Margie.
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| editor75 |
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Edited by: editor75 Oct 29, 11, 01:53PM
| #38 |
Joined: Dec 18, 10
Threads: 6
Posts: 999
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merriam-webster is the best free online dictionary, imo.
WB is a fan of sites with ****** editing, like dictionary.com.
why? because if a site has ****** editing, it'll give 6 different entries which contradict each other. the visitor can then feel free to choose the entry that best matches their presumptions.
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| mchan |
Student |
Oct 29, 11, 03:38PM
| #39 |
Joined: Oct 26, 11
Threads: 1
Posts: 5
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OK, thank you everyone for your feedback. but how do i ensure I get a writer who knows how to use stats? I am fine at writing, but just don't have the time to get a tutor and do the all the background work.
If any writers (EW_writer or Pheelyks) want to pick up my project, I will pay a fair amount for the help I need! I'm pretty sure it's a very straight forward project as well. I'm just quite lost about how to start this/where to find someone to help me. Please please please private message me.
I'm a desperate/stressed university student.
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| MeoKhan |
Writer |
Oct 30, 11, 07:57AM
| #40 |
Joined: Jan 9, 11
Threads: 4
Posts: 1,118
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editor75: similarly resistant to correction
Wish you could also have read a bit on linguistic deviations. Secondly, I have always tried to learn from all the sources from all the people. That is I am at this level.
EW_writer: I'm sure potential clients would be glad to know this.
I have already stated that I don't pay serious attention while posting on this forum; however, I've also said that this is the other way around while I am writing a paper for which I am paid.
EW_writer: Sadly, it doesn't apply to you
I am sorry but you cannot pass this verdict; you don't have the authority, or do you?
EW_writer: grasp the difference between prescriptive and descriptive language
You need to understand that also.
Redundant!
EW_writer: you may never develop a flair for the English language, it should not be a cause for you to flare up in this forum.
Once again, you're issuing verdicts only to assure your (superior) mind that NNS are not equal to a NS. Wish you could have read a bit on 2nd language acquisition (SLA - the term used in the research discourse).
I have many and many a time said that English is my 2nd language; nowhere do I claim to have NS-command. However, every time you communicate with me (and Rusty), you remind me of the same thing. This simply tells me you're not ready to create room for me in the industry. It doesn't really convince you NNSs can also earn money.
In all honesty, I find it quite appropriate to share with you that my NS clients (who clearly know my background) find my work quite promising and they're very happy. I just emailed a paper to one of my recent NS clients, and, you know what, he deposited USD50 as a bonus.
Therefore, I'm in a position to say that my research skills (plus my present language skills) are up to a level where I can earn my livelihood, notwithstanding the fact that I am a NNS.
EW_writer: Usually edit when I add to my previous post
Here, you needed to be a bit braver than you're trying to be here.
I'd interpret this sentence as:
"Usually I review my posts to remove the slips and errors that may prevail in the first writing so that I can show to people I am perfect". I am sorry but every SINGLE writer in the world leaves errors and slips in their first draft. Would you not agree to it?
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