📊

Quick Guide to Using SPSS

Oct 17, 2024

SPSS in 15 Minutes

Introduction

  • Presenter: Alexander
  • Objective: Teach how to use SPSS in under 15 minutes.
  • Topics Covered:
    • Defining variables
    • Entering data
    • Analyzing data using descriptive statistics (frequencies and summary statistics)

SPSS Interface

  • Similar to Microsoft Excel (spreadsheet format)
  • Two main views:
    • Data View: Displays actual data
    • Variable View: Where to define and edit variables

Defining Variables

  1. Creating Variables

    • No spaces, symbols, or special characters in variable names.
    • Example: Interview ID
    • Variable Type: Numeric (for Interview ID)
    • Width: Maximum characters allowed (suggested: 8)
    • Decimals: Set to zero for whole numbers.
    • Label: Description of variable (e.g., "Interview ID")
    • Measurement Level:
      • Scale: Quantitative data (e.g., age)
      • Ordinal: Ordered categories (e.g., education level)
      • Nominal: Unordered categories (e.g., gender, race)
  2. Example Variables:

    • Interview ID: Nominal variable (random numbers assigned)
    • Name: String (text variable)
    • Gender: Numeric (1 = Male, 2 = Female) - Nominal
    • Age: Scale variable (quantitative)
    • Did you eat rice in the past seven days?: Numeric (0 = No, 1 = Yes) - Ordinal

Entering Data

  • Switch to Data View to enter data.
  • Enable value labels to show descriptive text (e.g., Male, Female instead of numbers).

Analyzing Data

  1. Descriptive Statistics:

    • Go to Analyze > Descriptive Statistics > Frequencies.
    • Suitable for categorical variables (e.g., gender).
    • Use charts (e.g., bar charts) for visual representation.
    • Example results: 10 males and 10 females; 12 yes and 8 no for rice consumption.
  2. Continuous Variables Analysis:

    • Use Statistics section in the Frequencies menu for continuous variables (e.g., age).
    • Metrics to calculate: Mean, Median, Standard Deviation, Range, Quartiles.
    • Create histograms for continuous data, showing normal distribution.
    • Results Example: Average age = 20, Median age = 21, Standard Deviation = 3.5.

Conclusion

  • For more learning, visit the YouTube channel or the website: uniquemartymedia.net/learning.
  • Total time: Under 15 minutes.