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Do you need to conduct data analysis with SPSS but are unfamiliar with the software? This user-friendly book—a SAGE bestseller—helps you become proficient in SPSS by teaching you the fundamentals of SPSS. An Introductory Guide to SPSS® for Windows®, Second Edition develops SPSS skills using sample programs illustrating how to conduct the analyses typically covered in an introductory statistics course. Throughout the book, data are analyzed and SPSS output are interpreted in the context of research questions. Boldface text is used to indicate operations or choices the reader will need to make when running SPSS. Exercises are also included, with solutions provided in the appendix.

"I want to commend the author for including a chapter on using the SPSS manuals. I would not have thought of this addition, and the information helps the reader go on to learn the more complex components of SPSS."
—Laura Myers, University of Georgia

This Second Edition has been updated to SPSS Version 12.0, although its approach makes it useful for readers running other versions. Each chapter in this updated text includes a statement of its purpose and goal, as well as a chapter glossary. The updated text includes new SPSS features, including how to recode data using the Visual Bander and how to read text data using the Text Import Wizard. Author Eric L. Einspruch thoroughly covers critical basic skills:

• How to create data sets by defining and coding data, using a codebook, and entering data
• How to run SPSS and work with different SPSS files
• How to manipulate data by recoding values, computing values, and selecting subsets of cases to include in an analysis
• How to manage data files by reading data that have been entered using other software, appending files, and merging files
• How to analyze data using SPSS pull-down menus
• How to analyze data using programs written in SPSS syntax

This outstanding book concludes with a discussion of how to get help in SPSS, suggestions on how to make the most of SPSS manuals, and directions for taking the next steps toward software mastery.


 
Acknowledgments
 
1. Introduction
 
2. Creating Datasets
Defining Data Files and Coding Data

 
Coding Missing Data

 
Entering Data

 
 
3. Running SPSS
SPSS Files

 
Getting Started: Entering the Wintergreen Data

 
Data Analysis

 
Drawing Charts

 
Designating a Window

 
Exercise One

 
 
4. Data Manipulation
Changing the Coding Scheme Using Recode

 
Changing the Coding Scheme Using Visual Bander

 
Computing Data Values

 
Selecting Records From a Dataset

 
Listing Cases

 
Exercise Two

 
Exercise Three

 
 
5. Managing Data Files
Reading ASCII Data

 
Importing Files From Other Software Packages

 
Merging Data Files: Adding Cases

 
Merging Data Files: Adding Variables

 
Exercise Four

 
Exercise Five

 
 
6. Using SPSS to Perform Statistical Analyses
Frequency Distributions

 
Correlation

 
Crosstabulation and Chi-Square

 
Testing Hypotheses About Two Means (t-Test)

 
Comparing Several Means (ANOVA): One Group

 
Comparing Several Means (ANOVA): Two or More Groups

 
Simple Regression

 
Using Nonparametric Statistics

 
Exercise Six

 
Exercise Seven

 
Exercise Eight

 
Exercise Nine

 
Exercise Ten

 
 
7. Using the SPSS Syntax Window
Using the Syntax Window

 
The Structure of Basic SPSS Programs

 
Debugging SPSS Programs

 
Inserting Comments About the Program

 
Reading Data

 
Merging Data

 
Manipulating the Data

 
Sample SPSS Program

 
Correlation

 
Crosstabulation

 
t-Test for Independent Samples

 
Regression

 
Nonparametric Statistics

 
 
8. Next Steps
Help Is Nearby

 
Getting the Most From the SPSS Manuals

 
User's Guide

 
Syntax Reference Guide

 
Next Steps

 
Statistics Coach

 
Pivot Tables

 
Utilities

 
Production and Scripting Facilities

 
World Wide Web Home Page

 
 
9. Conclusion
 
Appendix A: Solutions to Exercises
 
Appendix B: Tips
 
References
 
Index
 
About the Author

"The book is a nice blend of written instructions and examples of using the SPSS programs. This book does not overwhelm the student or instructor and gives the most inexperienced user confidence about using SPSS and conducting data analysis. I absolutely love this type of book."

Laurie J. Walter
Baylor College of Medicine

Helpful resource guide for those analysing data using SPSS.

Ms Kelly Maguire
Marketing Department , Leisure and Tourism, Sligo Institute of Technology
February 11, 2016

A basic introduction to the use of SPSS. Valuable exercises at the end of the book allow the student to practice the use of the programme. Highly recommended for students or researchers who are unfamiliar to SPSS and who need basic information on the use of the programme.

Dr Ensa Johnson
Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, University of Pretoria
April 15, 2014

We have used this within our department for staff and students to use when they are using SPSS. A key text for new learners or those returning to using SPSS

Miss Laura Firth
Public Services, Runshaw College
January 17, 2013

this book is far too "introductory"and does not have enough examples as the current text or the Andy Field book. However, it does seem useful as a "pocket guide" if the pricing was low.

Mr Andrew Munn
Psychology , Northampton University
March 6, 2012

Well-layout book with sufficient information for students' comprehension.

Professor Victor ANYANWU
Criminal Justice, American Intercontinental University
November 21, 2011
Key features
  • The second edition preserves the overall pedagogical style of the first edition, to continue to provide the user-friendly introduction to the fundamentals of SPSS.
  • The second edition appeals to contemporary users of SPSS by updating the references to the software which has evolved to version 12.0 from the older version 7.5.

This title is also available on SAGE Research Methods, the ultimate digital methods library. If your library doesn’t have access, ask your librarian to start a trial.