RES600 INTRODUCTORY TO DATA ANALYSIS MODULE 4

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Module 4 – Home

THE SPSS ENVIRONMENT

Modular Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module, the student will be able to satisfy the following outcomes:

  • Case
    • Understand and be able to use basic SPSS data entry, variable setup, analysis, and graphing tools.
    • Understand and be able to detect graph distortions.
    • Understand and be able to construct theories using IV, DV mediators, and moderators.
  • SLP
    • Understand and be able to use basic SPSS data entry, variable setup, analysis, and graphing tools.
    • Understand and be able to detect graph distortions.
  • Discussion
    • Develop critical thinking regarding types of variables.

Module Overview

This is a hands-on module which will synthesize what we have covered so far in an applied fashion, and will also extend our knowledge of statistical analyses techniques in action. It will start with an overview of SPSS, which the main research tool in management research. We will then introduce the data editor, syntax editor, and the top menu components. In this process we will focus on the “analyze” menu, which provides a set of widely used analyses. We will also focus on the graphing facilities of SPSS. We will learn how to use SPSS for data entry, data modification, and defining types of variables. Graphs can sometimes be deceiving, so we will also discuss the use of graphs, distortion in graphs, different types of charts and when to use each one. Ultimately, in this module we will get hands-on practice with a set of basic analytical and graphing techniques.

Module 4 – Background

THE SPSS ENVIRONMENT

Required Reading

On SPSS:

Read relevant materials, as needed from the SPSS Statistics Base 17.0 User’s Guide.

Watch the following tutorials:

  1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8lmUkB4lag
  2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b163iBByycw
  3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mf3OA1ifXI
  4. Graphs in SPSS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=en0t0QS9uo8

On misleading graphs:

http://faculty.atu.edu/mfinan/2043/section31.pdf

Optional Reading

Materials from the UCLA SPSS site: http://www.ats.ucla.edu/stat/spss/

IBM SPSS GradPack Options

Please refer to Module 1 Background for instruction on purchasing the IBM SPSS GradPack.

Module 4 – Case

THE SPSS ENVIRONMENT

Assignment Overview

Please open the enclosed SPSS sample data file (Demographics.sav) in the presentations section. This is a hypothetical data file containing demographic and bank loan history data.

Case Assignment

Based on the above-mentioned dataset, write a paper addressing the following issues:

  1. What are the variables in the datasets and their levels of measurement?
  2. Are the “measure” and “role” filed in the SPSS file appropriately set? If not, explain how they should be set.
  3. Write a section on the properties of the sample, using typical descriptive statics, as appropriate (e.g., mean and standard deviation, median when appropriate, skewness and/or normality, frequencies, etc.). Use a format similar to the way descriptive statistics are reported in research papers. Cite the research paper or papers you relied on when constructing this section.
  4. Generate a scatterplot of income (on the y-axis) as a function of “employ” (years with current employer). Is there an association between these two variables?
  5. Generate a distorted graph (any variable) and present it next to a non-distorted graph. Discuss the implication for writing and reading research.
  6. Using the variables in the dataset, please construct a theory which involves an IV, DV, a mediator and a moderator. You may add imaginary variables as you wish (e.g., a new variable which does not exist in the dataset as a moderator or a DV). Explain your theory.

Please organize your paper in a scholarly way. Add section titles when necessary. Explain your logic, and when appropriate, use external sources with proper citations. Conclude your report with a paragraph or so evaluating the entire exercise in terms of what you have learned and your reflections on the topic.

The paper is usually between 5 and 12 pages long.

Assignment Expectations

  1. Student is able to use basic features (basic analyses, descriptive statistics, variable definitions and graphs) in SPSS.
  2. Student is able to understand and construct appropriate graphs; and detect distortions.
  3. Student understands and is able to construct theories using IV, DV mediators, and moderators.
  4. Student answers the questions with clarity, depth, and critical thinking.
  5. Completeness and coherence: Chain of thought is easy to follow.
  6. Student uses relevant evidence and additional papers/resources to support the propositions.
  7. Student uses appropriate SPSS outputs.
  8. Paper is clearly written with appropriate format. Reference list is complete. Citation is properly done.

Your assignment will be graded using the following criteria:

  1. Assignment-Driven Criteria: Expressing quantitative analysis of data to support the discussion showing what evidence is used and how it is contextualized.
  2. Interpretation: Explaining information presented in mathematical terms (e.g., equations, graphs, diagrams, tables, words).
  3. Presentation: Ability to convert relevant information into various mathematical terms (e.g., equations, graphs, diagrams, tables, words).
  4. Conclusions: Drawing appropriate conclusions based on the analysis of data.
  5. Timeliness and Professionalism: Student demonstrates excellence in taking responsibility for learning, adhering to course requirement policies and expectations. Assignment submitted on time or collaborated with professor for an approved extension on due date.

Module 4 – SLP

THE SPSS ENVIRONMENT

The SPSS data in the file SLP 4 was collected regarding 100 individuals after their death. It captures their longevity, and their parents’ and grandparents’ lifespan, and whether they were smokers. Using these data (in SPSS):

  1. Generate a histogram for the longevity variable.
  2. Generate an appropriate graph to examine the distribution of smokers in the sample. Interpret the results.
  3. Generate two new variables: average parents’ lifespan, and average grandparents’ lifespan.
  4. Generate a chart (pick an appropriate one) to examine whether a person’s longevity relates to the average life span of their parents. Repeat this for their grandparents.
  5. Looking at the graphs can you infer which association is stronger? Explain.

SLP Assignment Expectations

  1. Answer all questions with clarity and depth. Show your critical thinking ability.
  2. Show necessary reasoning and steps for calculations.
  3. No need to write an essay for the SLP; it is sufficient to answer the questions and use appropriate SPSS outputs.

Your assignment will be graded using the following criteria:

  1. Assignment-Driven Criteria: Expressing quantitative analysis of data to support the discussion showing what evidence is used and how it is contextualized.
  2. Interpretation: Explaining information presented in mathematical terms (e.g., equations, graphs, diagrams, tables, words).
  3. Presentation: Ability to convert relevant information into various mathematical terms (e.g., equations, graphs, diagrams, tables, words).
  4. Conclusions: Drawing appropriate conclusions based on the analysis of data.
  5. Timeliness and Professionalism: Student demonstrates excellence in taking responsibility for learning, adhering to course requirement policies and expectations. Assignment submitted on time or collaborated with professor for an approved extension on due date.

Module 4 – Outcomes

THE SPSS ENVIRONMENT

  • Module
    • Understand and be able to use basic SPSS data entry, variable setup, analysis, and graphing tools.
    • Understand and be able to detect graph distortions.
    • Understand and be able to construct theories using IV, DV mediators, and moderators.
  • Case
    • Understand and be able to use basic SPSS data entry, variable setup, analysis, and graphing tools.
    • Understand and be able to detect graph distortions.
    • Understand and be able to construct theories using IV, DV mediators, and moderators.
  • SLP
    • Understand and be able to use basic SPSS data entry, variable setup, analysis, and graphing tools.
    • Understand and be able to detect graph distortions.
  • Discussion
    • Develop critical thinking regarding types of

Module 4 Discussion

 

Previous Next 

Please focus on a research area which is of interest to you (e.g., a topic you may want to do your dissertation on), and suggest a theory which includes an IV, DV, mediator, and moderator. Define these variables and explain your logic.

 

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