Getting to Know SPSS and Descriptive Statistics
Educators need a variety of tools to help them answer critical questions about the effectiveness of their work. Statistical analysis provides an important set of tools in dealing with quantitative data. The focus of this Assignment is to familiarize you with the IBM SPSS Statistics program. Developing your skills when using SPSS to calculate basic descriptive statistics will be critical to your understanding of statistical concepts and your ability to engage in statistical analysis.
To prepare for this Assignment,
• Review Chapters 1–3 in Triola found in the Learning Resources section of this module. Focus on understanding the basic concepts of statistical thinking, including how to collect sample data and how to summarize and graph data. Think about how you will analyze and interpret data to summarize or explain relevant characteristics.
• Access the SPSS Statistics GradPack for Windows and Macintosh (current version).
• Review A Simple Guide to IBM SPSS Statistics regarding descriptive statistics.
• Review the Research and Practice Data and Codebook found in the Learning Resources section of this module. This Excel spreadsheet will enable you to become comfortable with defining variables, entering data, and creating and exporting tables and graphs.
Assignment Guidelines:
• Access the “Module 1 Assignment 1: Getting to Know SPSS and Descriptive Statistics” document found in the Learning Resources for this module. Complete the activities within this document.
• To the document containing your results, add a summary and reflection showing how you have applied methods for calculating descriptive statistics and what you learned from the activities. Include the following:
o In 2-3 paragraphs, summarize your findings from your data analysis (review the “Putting It All Together” section in Chapter 3 of Triola to guide you).
o In 1–2 paragraphs, reflect on the process you engaged in for this Assignment. What did you gain? What were your thoughts about using SPSS? What did you learn from this process?
o Include a cover sheet in APA format.
As an option, use the Peer Help Desk discussion area to give and receive help from your colleagues on using SPSS. This can include attacing screenshots (embedded in a MS Word document), step-by-step directions, or general help in solving the problems.