Peer Review

SPSS 26: A Basic Tutorial

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Reviewed:: Apr 11, 2020 by Sociology

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:

This book is intended for those who want to learn the basics of SPSS which is a widely used statistical package. It can be used as a text in a class or by those working independently. Each chapter has instructions that guide you through a series of problems, as well as graphics showing you what your screen should look like at various steps in the process. There are also exercises at the end of each chapter for further practice. The tutorial uses two datasets: a subset of the 2018 General Social Survey and a data set describing countries. Both data sets and the tutorial can be freely downloaded from the website. SPSS is proprietary software and the user must be able to access it; it is not provided on the website. However, many colleges and universities provide such access.

Type of Material:

Open textbook
Assignments
Development tool
Drill and practice
Tutorial
Reference material
Training material

Recommended Uses:

In-class
Homework
Individual assignment
Team assignment

Technical Requirements:

Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) – purchasing information provided
2018 General Social Survey and CIA World Factbook data sets (downloadable data sets provided)

Identify Major Learning Goals:

This tutorial is designed as a step-by-step guide introducing students to SPSS. It begins with simple procedures and moves into more advanced topics. This would be an ideal supplement to a research methods/statistics course where students are expected to conduct research and analyze data.

Target Student Population:

College General Ed, College Lower Division, College Upper Division, Graduate School, Professional

Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

Basic computer operations
Introductory statistics
Introduction to social research and quantitative methods

Content Quality

Rating:

Strengths:

The tutorial is easy to follow and the formatting helps in navigating the tutorial. It is written for an introductory audience with a logical progression of the operation of SPSS. Images help guide understanding and learning. Learners use valid, reliable data sets to explore statistical measures.

Concerns:

Supplemental materials on research methods and basic statistics would be useful for lower division students
One to two examples showing how to write a summary of a data table, chart, or graph would reinforce research writing skills

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:

Strengths:

Self-directed (students may complete at their own pace)
Exercises are an effective tool to measure student learning
Each exercise aligns with research methods, basic statistical concepts, and SPSS operations required in lower and upper division social science courses
The “Next Chapter” section at the end of each chapter effectively prepares learners for the upcoming preparation and focus

Concerns:

Students must have access to SPSS. Learning objectives are not provided. Students must have basic knowledge of statistics and research methods to ensure progression and efficiency in learning operations and tools.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:: Using current GSS datasets in the tutorial allows students to connect with the data to answer questions related to current events and social issues. It is written with an introductory audience in mind with it's step-by-step guide. Exercises provide practical applications of statistical measures using SPSS. Each instructional section has a specific focus allowing it to build on what went before. Graphic images (e.g., screenshots) provide step-by-step instruction for using SPSS.
Concerns:: Access to SPSS is needed.

Other Issues and Comments:: Effective teaching tool for statistics, applied research, and quantitative method courses requiring SPSS for data analysis.
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