Data Analysis with SPSS for Windows

 

SPSS is a powerful software package for data management and statistical analysis. At CityU, you can use SPSS on
various platforms including VAX/VMS, PC/DOS and Windows. Then, what's the difference between running SPSS for Windows and the traditional SPSS systems (like SPSS/PC+ and SPSS for VAX) ?

Firstly, SPSS for Windows runs in windows graphical environment. The diagram on the previous page illustrates the various types of windows which will be opened when you are working with SPSS. It is easy to learn as the window interface allows users to operate the package with little awareness of how it is structured and functioned. Most of the work can be accomplished simply by pointing and clicking the mouse. Secondly, not only commands can be selected from menu, data elements can also be added into your analysis by selecting items in the dialog boxes. This means that you can enter a SPSS program without explicitly typing the commands and variable names.

With SPSS for Windows, you are no longer limited by the 640K memory constraint that DOS imposes. In fact, it can now handle larger data sets and less time is required to perform complex analyses.

Unlike traditional SPSS systems, data is entered into a spreadsheet-like Data Editor window as shown in the above diagram. In addition, it can read ASCII text files and data files created by SPSS/PC+, Excel and dBASE. Furthermore, you can exchange data and charts between SPSS for Windows and other software products. For instance, you can pull data from your Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet into SPSS for Windows where it can be analyzed and charts be prepared. The charts can then be incorporated into your MS Word document.

The latest release of SPSS for Windows is version 6.1 which offers several new and improved features. For example, a new on-line tutorial is added to give beginners an overview of the package and its operation. Charts can now be exported in various formats such as BMP, CGM, EPS, TIF, and WMF. Improvements have been made in a few areas : analytical designs with One-Sample T-Test, Kaplan-Meier, and General Loglinear Analysis, exploratory analysis with case identification in scatterplots and boxplots, and Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) 2.0 for accessing SQL relational databases.

SPSS for Windows 6.1 is available on the CSC Student LAN. Departments requiring to use this package may contact CSC to acquire the desired number of licenses and install on their staff LAN.

Our centre has compiled a "Introduction to SPSS for Windows" booklet to help beginners to master the basic techniques of SPSS for Windows in a short time. We also provide training courses to staff on a regular basis. For date and time of such courses, please consult the "Computer Courses 1995/96" booklet or look into the Course Schedule for 95/96 in PolyLink's Bulletin Board #04 - "Conference, Seminar & Course" under Quick Staff Channel. Furthermore, training classes for the final year students can also be arranged upon request.

If you have encountered any problems while using SPSS for Windows, you can always call our Computing Services Centre HotLine x7658.

Computing Services Centre City University of Hong Kong ccnetcom@cityu.edu.hk