Many students of psychology are shocked when they discover that the study of statistics is necessary. “Maths!!! I just want to help people!” is the usual cry of derision. is there a purpose in having potential psychologists, who do not intend to do research, suffer through the complexities and esoteric boredom of stats?
Simply put: Yes.
The statistical arts are basically a numerical summary of a set of recorded data. A sexual abuse therapist may see over 150 children in a year. Of these, 50 have anger management issues, 14 are promiscuous, 75 are diagnosed as experiencing ADHD, 10 are withdrawn, 5 appear to have no negative psycho-social behaviours, affect or cognitions, whilst another 5 have already perpetrated against other children.
The therapist would have more difficulty developing an awareness of the differences and similarities across the children if statistics were not available to summarise observations.
Statistics will also inform the therapist to associations and relationships between the characteristics and experiences of the children. For example, between diagnoses of ADHD, sexual abuse, age, gender and likelihood to experience abuse again.
The statistical information helps the children because the therapist grows in knowledge by reflecting on patterns of behaviour and psychological well being. The therapist is now able to formulate hypotheses about interventions to aid a specific set of inappropriate behaviours, affect or cognitions. Using statistics the hypotheses can be tested, leading the therapist to better methods of intervention & evaluation; the child is lead to a better quality of life.
Communication of the therapist’s observations and research conclusions to other sexual abuse workers extends understanding and creates better interventions and supports for abused children.
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