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Introduction - To - SPSS - Outline

SPSS

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NISHANTHA KARUNARATHNA
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39 views3 pages

Introduction - To - SPSS - Outline

SPSS

Uploaded by

NISHANTHA KARUNARATHNA
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Introduction to SPSS - Outline


1. Introduction
SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) is a powerful statistical software widely
used for data management, analysis, and graphical visualization. This outline will guide you
through the basic steps of using SPSS, including creating variables, entering data, managing
missing data, recoding variables, transforming data, and performing basic analysis.

2. Creating Variables in SPSS


In SPSS, creating variables is the first step before entering data. SPSS allows the creation of
different types of variables, such as numeric, string, and date variables. Here’s how to create
various types of variables in SPSS:

Step 1: Open Variable View


To begin, go to the 'Variable View' tab at the bottom of the SPSS window. Here you will
define the characteristics of each variable.

Step 2: Define Variable Properties


a. Name: Enter a unique name for each variable (e.g., age, gender, height). Follow SPSS
naming rules (no spaces, no special characters, must start with a letter).
b. Type: Select the appropriate variable type (e.g., Numeric, String, Date).
c. Width and Decimals: Define the width of the variable (number of characters or digits)
and number of decimal places.
d. Label: Provide a descriptive label for the variable (e.g., 'Age of Patient' for 'age').
e. Values: For categorical variables, assign values (e.g., 1 = Male, 2 = Female).
f. Missing: Specify any missing values if needed (e.g., 99 for 'Unknown').

3. Entering Data in SPSS


Once the variables are defined, you can enter data in the 'Data View' tab. Each row
represents a case (e.g., a patient), and each column represents a variable (e.g., age, gender).

Step 1: Switch to Data View


Click on the 'Data View' tab at the bottom of the screen to start entering data. Enter the
values for each variable in the corresponding columns.

Step 2: Enter Data for Each Variable


For numeric variables (e.g., age, weight), type the appropriate numbers. For categorical
variables (e.g., gender), enter the assigned values (e.g., 1 for Male, 2 for Female).

MMST 5104: Data Organization and Management


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4. Handling Missing Data in SPSS


In medical research, missing data is common. SPSS allows you to define and manage missing
data.

Step 1: Define Missing Values


In 'Variable View', locate the 'Missing' column. Click on the cell corresponding to the
variable where you expect missing data. Enter the value that represents missing data (e.g.,
99 or -1).

5. Recoding Variables in SPSS


Recoding variables is useful when you need to change the coding scheme of a variable. For
example, recoding a continuous variable into categories.

Step 1: Open Recode Dialog


Go to 'Transform' in the menu and select 'Recode into Different Variables' or 'Recode into
Same Variables'. Choose the variable you want to recode.

Step 2: Set New Values


Assign the old values (e.g., 1, 2, 3) and specify new values (e.g., 1=Low, 2=Medium, 3=High).
Optionally, define the new variable name for easier interpretation.

6. Transforming Variables in SPSS


Transforming variables allows you to perform mathematical operations such as calculating
new variables, logarithms, or standardizing variables.

Step 1: Open Compute Variable Dialog


Go to 'Transform' and select 'Compute Variable'. Define the new variable and enter the
formula (e.g., to create a new variable 'BMI', you might compute: weight_kg / (height_m **
2)).

7. Performing Descriptive Statistics


SPSS provides various tools for descriptive analysis such as means, standard deviations, and
frequency distributions.

Step 1: Run Descriptive Statistics


Go to 'Analyze', select 'Descriptive Statistics', and then choose the appropriate option (e.g.,
Frequencies, Descriptives). Choose the variables to analyze and review the output.

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8. Saving Your SPSS File


After entering data and performing analyses, it is important to save your work. To save your
SPSS file, go to 'File' and select 'Save As'. Choose the desired location and save your file as
.sav (SPSS format).

MMST 5104: Data Organization and Management

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