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Bogdan Anastasiei

A friendly video course for anybody who wants to get the first notions of  statistical analysis with SPSS.

If you are an absolute beginner and don't know anything about SPSS, this course is for you. After completing it, you will know how to create an SPSS data set, how to work with your data (select cases, split files, weigh data etc.), how to summarize and visualize your data with charts and tables, how to compute the statistical indicators for your data series, and also how to perform a couple of statistical tests (the ch-square test for association and the independent samples t test).

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A friendly video course for anybody who wants to get the first notions of  statistical analysis with SPSS.

If you are an absolute beginner and don't know anything about SPSS, this course is for you. After completing it, you will know how to create an SPSS data set, how to work with your data (select cases, split files, weigh data etc.), how to summarize and visualize your data with charts and tables, how to compute the statistical indicators for your data series, and also how to perform a couple of statistical tests (the ch-square test for association and the independent samples t test).

In a word, you will have a solid idea about how SPSS works and what you can do with it.

All that's required from you is basic statistics knowledge (this is not a Statistics 101 course).

This course is structured in 27 lectures, covering about 20 topics. For every topic I have prepared practical exercises, so you can consolidate your knowledge and form your skills. You can find the exercises in the PDF files attached to almost every lecture.

With this course you can master the basics of SPSS in a few days only (depending, of course, of your learning pace).

So... just press the enroll button to start learning now. :)

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Manipulate data in spss
  • Visualize data using the most important types of charts
  • Compute the main statistical indicators
  • Build tables and cross tables
  • Check for normality
  • Detect the extreme values (outliers)
  • Perform the chi square test for association
  • Perform the independent-sample t test

Syllabus

What you will study in this course.
Introduction
How to work with files and variables: create files, recode variables, split files, weigh data and so on.
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How to create new files and open existing files.

How to create variables in SPSS.

How to recode variables in SPSS, for various purposes.

How to create dummy variables in SPSS.

How to select (filter) cases in SPSS files.

How to split files in SPSS.

How to weigh variables in SPSS.

How to create the most useful diagrams to visualize your data.

How to build column charts in SPSS.

How to build line charts in SPSS.

How to build scatterplot charts in SPSS.

How to build

boxplot diagrams in SPSS.

How to compute the main statistical indicators for yout data series and build tables and cross tables.

How to build tables of frequencies.

How to compute the main statistical indicators for your data series.

More ways to analyze your data.

How to analyze the continuous variables.

How to build cross tables in SPSS.

How to check for normality and identify the outliers in your variables

A few words about the two lectures in Section 5.

How to check whether your variables are normally distributed using numerical methods.

How to identify the extreme values using graphical methods.

Examples of using more advanced statistical techniques in SPSS.

A few words about the Section 6.

The chi-square test for association in SPSS.

The chi-square test for association in SPSS,

with weighted data.

Independent samples t test in SPSS - introduction.

Independent-Sample T Test

in SPSS - Assumption Testing.

Independent-Sample T Test - Output

Interpretation.

Just a few recommendations at the end

The conclusions of this course,

Download all the course materials here.
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Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides a solid foundation in SPSS, covering data creation, manipulation, visualization, and basic statistical tests, which are essential for those new to the software
Includes practical exercises for each topic, allowing learners to consolidate their knowledge and develop skills in using SPSS for statistical analysis
Covers essential data manipulation techniques such as recoding variables, splitting files, and weighting data, which are fundamental for preparing data for analysis in SPSS
Requires basic statistics knowledge, so learners without this background may need to acquire it before or during the course to fully grasp the concepts
Focuses on an older statistical software package, so learners should be aware that newer software versions may have different interfaces and functionalities
Explores the chi-square test and independent samples t-test, which are common statistical tests used in social sciences, business, and healthcare research

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in SPSS Basics with these activities:
Review Basic Statistics Concepts
Reinforce your understanding of fundamental statistical concepts. This will provide a solid foundation for understanding the statistical tests and indicators covered in the SPSS course.
Browse courses on Hypothesis Testing
Show steps
  • Review key statistical terms and definitions.
  • Work through practice problems on hypothesis testing.
  • Summarize the different types of data distributions.
Review: Statistics for People Who (Think They) Hate Statistics
Solidify your understanding of statistical concepts. This book provides a friendly and accessible introduction to statistics, which is essential for effectively using SPSS.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing.
  • Work through the practice problems at the end of each chapter.
  • Relate the concepts in the book to the SPSS course syllabus.
Practice Data Manipulation in SPSS with Sample Datasets
Enhance your data manipulation skills in SPSS. Working with sample datasets will allow you to practice the techniques taught in the course, such as recoding variables, splitting files, and selecting cases.
Show steps
  • Download sample datasets from the SPSS website or other sources.
  • Practice recoding variables using different methods.
  • Experiment with splitting files based on various criteria.
  • Apply different filters to select specific cases.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Data Visualization Portfolio
Reinforce your understanding of data visualization techniques. Creating a portfolio of charts and graphs in SPSS will help you master the different visualization options and their applications.
Show steps
  • Choose a dataset relevant to your interests.
  • Create different types of charts and graphs using SPSS.
  • Write a brief description of each visualization and its purpose.
  • Compile your visualizations into a portfolio.
Explore Advanced SPSS Tutorials Online
Expand your knowledge of SPSS beyond the basics. Following advanced tutorials will expose you to more complex statistical techniques and data analysis methods.
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials on specific SPSS topics.
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step, applying the techniques to your own datasets.
  • Take notes on the key concepts and procedures.
Analyze a Real-World Dataset Using SPSS
Apply your SPSS skills to a real-world problem. Analyzing a dataset from your field of interest will solidify your understanding of the software and its applications.
Show steps
  • Find a dataset relevant to your field of study or work.
  • Formulate research questions that can be answered using the data.
  • Use SPSS to analyze the data and answer your research questions.
  • Write a report summarizing your findings and conclusions.
Prepare a Presentation on SPSS Findings
Communicate your SPSS findings effectively. Creating a presentation will help you organize your thoughts and present your results in a clear and concise manner.
Show steps
  • Choose a dataset and analysis you performed in SPSS.
  • Create slides summarizing your research questions, methods, and results.
  • Practice presenting your findings to an audience.

Career center

Learners who complete SPSS Basics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Statistical Analyst
Statistical Analysts apply mathematical and statistical techniques to solve problems in various fields, using software such as SPSS. Individuals in this role use data analysis techniques to identify trends and patterns. This course in SPSS will build your ability to create datasets, work with data (select, split, and weigh), summarize and visualize using charts and tables, compute statistical indicators, and perform statistical tests. This course provides a great introduction to the functionality of SPSS, making it ideal for those looking to enter this field.
Research Assistant
A Research Assistant supports research projects by collecting, organizing, and analyzing data. Learning to manipulate data, visualize data with charts, compute key statistical indicators, and conduct statistical tests is important for this role. The SPSS Basics course is useful for individuals seeking a career as research assistant, as these are the exact skills needed to prepare and analyze datasets. This course provides a solid foundation for a research-oriented career, particularly for those who must work with statistical software. It is particularly useful for graduate students or those assisting professors with research.
Survey Analyst
Survey Analysts interpret data collected from surveys, using software such as SPSS. The daily tasks of a survey analyst include cleaning and manipulating data, creating charts and tables, and conducting basic statistical analysis using tools like SPSS. A course such as the one described is beneficial to people wanting to enter this role, as it covers the ability to create datasets, work with data, summarize data, and conduct relevant statistical tests. Those planning a career in survey analysis stand to gain from this course’s focus on the foundational aspects of SPSS.
Data Analyst
Data analysts interpret data to identify patterns and trends. A Data Analyst will use software like SPSS to visualize and summarize data. This course, which helps you learn to manipulate datasets, build useful charts, compute statistical indicators, and perform basic statistical tests, will be very helpful. This knowledge will allow you to translate raw data into actionable insights. This course provides a strong foundation in data analysis techniques, and is ideal for beginners who want to build proficiency in this field.
Social Science Researcher
Social Science Researchers use statistical methods to study human behavior and societal patterns. This field requires proficiency in statistical analysis tools such as SPSS. A foundational understanding of how to manipulate, summarize, visualize data, and perform basic statistical tests is essential for this role, all of which is gained in this course. If you are looking to enter the social sciences, this introductory course is a great starting point for learning about using SPSS for research projects. It will ensure that you know how to process data and produce meaningful results by using such features of SPSS as charts, tables, and measures of central tendency.
Market Research Analyst
A Market Research Analyst gathers and analyzes data on consumers, competitors, and market conditions. This role requires the ability to manipulate datasets, create meaningful charts, and compute statistical indicators, all of which this course in SPSS provides. A market research analyst relies on tools like SPSS to understand consumer trends and preferences. Gaining proficiency in SPSS will allow you to build tables, generate cross tabs, and perform statistical tests, all of which this course will help you do. Those wanting to become a market research analyst, will find this course a great introduction to the statistical software they'll use, and it will help build a foundation in data analysis.
Public Health Analyst
Public Health Analysts collect and analyze data related to health issues. This role involves using statistical software (such as SPSS) to examine health trends and outcomes. The ability to manipulate data, visualize data with charts, compute key statistical indicators, and conduct statistical tests, as taught in this course, is highly relevant to the daily tasks of a public health analyst. Those wishing to pursue a career in public health should begin by becoming proficient in tools such as SPSS; this course will help anyone get started. It provides a valuable foundation in data handling and statistical analysis.
Evaluation Specialist
Evaluation Specialists assess the effectiveness of programs and policies by collecting and analyzing data. Those in this role typically use software such as SPSS to manage and interpret data, create descriptive statistics, and perform basic statistical tests. The SPSS Basics course will allow you to manipulate and prepare datasets, visualize data, compute important statistical indicators, and perform chi-square and t-tests. This is a great course for someone looking to begin working in evaluation, because it will provide them with the tools needed to prepare and analyze data.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts examine data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement or growth. A Business Analyst benefits from proficiency in software such as SPSS. Data is used to provide insights that drive business decisions. The skills covered in this course translate directly into what is needed by a business analyst, such as data manipulation, visualization using charts, computing statistical indicators, and performing statistical tests. Those beginning in this field will benefit from learning such things as creating datasets, working with data, and summarizing data. This course provides a solid foundation for anyone aspiring to be a business analyst.
Human Resources Analyst
Human Resources Analysts examine employee data to identify patterns and trends. This role requires the ability to manipulate datasets, visualize data, and conduct basic statistical analyses of workforce demographics, compensation, and employee satisfaction. The SPSS Basics course will help those in this role learn to manipulate data, build charts, create tables, and perform statistical tests. This course provides a strong foundation in data analysis, and will be especially useful for those whose work involves producing reports that inform HR decisions about recruitment and retention.
Psychometrician
Psychometricians develop and analyze psychological tests and assessments, which requires proficiency in statistics software such as SPSS. A psychometrician will use tools like SPSS to ensure reliability and validity. This course will help those in this field by teaching them to manipulate data, visualize it with charts, compute statistical indicators, and perform basic statistical tests. This course is particularly helpful for beginners who need to learn how to prepare and analyze data from psychological assessments. A master's degree is often needed for this role.
Data Visualization Specialist
A Data Visualization Specialist creates charts and graphs to make data more understandable and accessible. As such, they use software, such as SPSS, to manipulate data and prepare it for visualization. This course may be useful, as it teaches individuals how to use SPSS to create various types of charts and tables, and it provides a solid foundation for anyone looking to present data effectively. Though this role does not primarily concern itself with data analysis, it does require the user to understand data well enough to create meaningful visualizations. The course is beneficial because it provides an opportunity to learn how to use SPSS to create a variety of visuals.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and statistical methods to improve efficiency. Those in this role often need to use software like SPSS to analyze data, create models, and make recommendations. This course may be useful for professionals in this field, because it teaches how to manipulate data, visualize it, and perform statistical tests. Though this role typically requires a master's degree, this course will help anyone begin to build the skills needed to analyze data using software like SPSS.
Healthcare Data Analyst
Healthcare Data Analysts interpret healthcare data to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency. This role involves analyzing health records, patient satisfaction survey data, and other medical information. Proficiency in using statistical software, such as SPSS, is required to make sense of the data. This course may be useful for those entering this field, because it provides training in data manipulation, visualization, and statistical analysis. Such skills are important for producing reports that inform healthcare decision making. Anyone who wants to begin to work in the healthcare field as a data analyst will find this course to be a helpful introduction to SPSS.
Academic Researcher
Academic Researchers conduct studies, analyze data, and write reports for publication in journals and books. This role requires an ability to use statistical software, such as SPSS. The SPSS Basics course will allow you to manipulate datasets, visualize data using charts and tables, compute important statistical indicators, and perform basic statistical tests. Though this role typically requires a PhD, this course may be useful for anyone beginning a research career. It teaches the foundational skills needed to start analyzing data for academic purposes.

Reading list

We've selected one books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in SPSS Basics.
Provides a gentle introduction to statistical concepts, making it ideal for students who may feel intimidated by statistics. It covers topics such as descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, and basic statistical tests in an accessible manner. While not specific to SPSS, it builds a strong foundation for understanding the statistical principles behind the software's functions. It is particularly helpful for students who need to brush up on their statistics knowledge before diving into SPSS.

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