SPSS Tutorial

Quantitative Results

Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) is a software program that performs statistical analysis of data. This package contains an icon called “Tutorial” in the Help Menu, which explains a step-by-step account of how to work in SPSS in very detailed format, with the help of case studies. It can be regarded as a Statistical Analysis guide.

SPSS Tutorial consists of the following topics:

  • Introduction

This part of the SPSS Tutorial mainly explains the usage of sample files. Sample files are the files which contain fictitious survey data. Through the Introduction, we generally get familiar with SPSS as it gives a step-by-step account of how to open a data file, conduct analysis and see the output.

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  • Reading Data

There are various sources to import in SPSS format data files. These include spreadsheet applications (such as MS Excel), database applications (such as MS Access) and text files to import in SPSS format data files. Reading data in the SPSS Tutorial explains the process of reading the data in a step-by-step manner. This data is stored in SPSS- format data files imported from various sources.

  • Using the Data Editor

The Data Editor in the SPSS Tutorial generally informs us about how to enter a string data or a numeric data in an SPSS data file while using the “variable view” and “data view” option. It also tells us about how to handle missing data, how to add the variable labels, how to value labels for numeric variables and string variables, or how to use value labels for data entry. It also discusses defining the variable properties for categorical variables in a graphical manner.

  • Working with Multiple Data Sources

This part of the SPSS tutorial helps by telling us about how to switch back and forth between data sources, how to compare the contents of different data sources, how to copy and paste between data sources, and how to create multiple subsets of cases and/or variables for analysis. It also tutors on how to merge multiple data sources from various data formats without first saving each data source. In general, it tutors us about the basic handling of multiple data sources (including copying and pasting information between datasets).

  • Examining Summary Statistics for Individual Variables

In this part of the SPSS tutorial, the tutorial mentions how the level of measurement of a variable influences the type of statistics that should be used. It mainly emphasizes the summary measures for categorical data and scale variables.

  • Cross tabulation tables

This topic in the SPSS Tutorial is in the form of some case studies from the sample files. It handles the different types of cross tabulation including simple cross tabulation, count vs. percentages, significance testing for cross tabulations etc…

  • Creating and Editing charts

In this section of the SPSS tutorial, the tutorial mainly details how to create a chart using the chart builder gallery. It also explains how to edit the charts. This can be understood with the help of examples of Pie Chart and Grouped Scatter Plot.

  • Working with Output

In this section of the SPSS tutorial, the tutorial explains the output, which is displayed after every analysis. This section mainly covers the methodology of observing the output and editing it with the help of Pivot Table Editor as per the requirement.

  • Working with Syntax

Instead of clicking on the menus to perform operations, one can write programs in SPSS. This topic in the SPSS Tutorial details information about editing the syntax while programming in SPSS. It also tells us about how to open and run a syntax file.

  • Time Saving Features

This topic in the SPSS Tutorial generally gives information about features which can save time while performing the same type of analysis on similar sets of data.

  • Customizing SPSS

This topic in the SPSS Tutorial gives guidance on how to make the frequently used menus and toolbars more accessible in order to save time.

  • Getting started with tables

There is much analysis that results in the form of tables. This topic in the SPSS Tutorial explains the table add-on module, which is especially useful in survey analysis and market research.

  • Index Feature

This feature in the SPSS Tutorial generally enables the user to be comfortable with all types of statistical analyses from A to Z. It details all the tests and techniques in a step-by-step graphical manner.

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