IBM SPSS Essentials, 2nd Edition

Answers to Chapter Discussion Questions

Chapter 1

Questions

1. Why is SPSS superior to Excel?
2. What are some advantages and disadvantages associated with SPSS's evolution toward an Excel–Word hybrid?

Answers

1. You can keep a record of what you've done and what you're going to do. Formulas don't “run automatically” – they run only when you tell them to run.
2. The data file interface is nice for data entry and organization, but there is too much capability in the data file. Ideally you should not be able to run analyses straight from your data file.

Chapter 2

Questions

1. In the text it is mentioned that ______ files look similar to a spreadsheet such as the ones you would find in Excel. On the other hand, there are ______ files which look similar to a Word Document, and are to be used as diaries to keep track of where your data came from, what analysis you have done, etc.
2. Why is it important to maintain your raw data “untouched”?

Answers

1. Data files, Syntax files
2. Maintaining the unadulterated status of your original raw data file is key to using SPSS correctly, this is what will enable you to redo and undo any errors that you make.

Chapter 3

Questions

1. What numbers can be used to code the following values?
   1. Gender
   2. Military rank
   3. Height
2. Why would anyone include covariates in a data file?
3. Data represented by numbers are known as ______ variables, while data represented by words are known as _____ variables.

Answers

1. Gender doesn't matter (nominal value), ...