Most of the major inferential statistics come from a general family of statistical models known as the General Linear Model . Given the importance of the General Linear Model, it's a good idea for any serious social researcher to become familiar with its workings. The discussion of the General Linear Model here is very elementary and only considers the simplest straight-line model. However, it will get you familiar with the idea of the linear model and help prepare you for the more complex analyses described below. Essentially a dummy variable is one that uses discrete numbers, usually 0 and 1, to represent different groups in your study.
Dummy variables are a simple idea that enable some pretty complicated things to happen.
To see how this works, check out the discussion on dummy variables . One of the most important analyses in program outcome evaluations involves comparing the program and non-program group on the outcome variable or variables. How we do this depends on the research design we use. Because the analyses differ for each, they are presented separately. Experimental Analysis .