SPSS® Basics
Techniques for a First Course in Statistics
(Third Edition)

 

The topics are presented in the same sequence as in a first course—not in SPSS groupings. For instance, instead of a single chapter on using SPSS to produce a variety of statistical figures, each type of figure is illustrated at an appropriate point in this text.
The sequential organization makes it easy for students to navigate SPSS for the specific purposes they need in class.

No previous knowledge of SPSS is assumed. Each step is clearly explained and fully illustrated.

Each chapter defines one or two statistics, describes when to use them, and illustrates how to compute them using SPSS.
Each chapter shows how to format raw SPSS output and describe it in a research report.
All examples are consistent with the styles specified in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association..
Hundreds of screenshots with superimposed arrows make it easy for students to follow the step-by-step directions for using SPSS.
End-of-chapter exercises help students master their new skills. An answer key will be included with each examination copy.
New to this edition: A new chapter (Chapter 11) on simple linear regression has been added to this edition, providing more comprehensive coverage of statistics commonly included in introductory statistics textbooks.

 

 

A sample of professors' reactions:

"The clear graphics with explanatory steps will be useful for any researcher seeking an introductory orientation to SPSS or a refresher to an updated version."
    — Jim Vander Putten, University of Arkansas at
         Little Rock

"This book is very nicely organized, and the examples are very clear. It's a good resource."
    — Mark G. Fischman, Auburn University

“By linking specific statistical analyses to SPSS, the output and its interpretation, the book helps students gain better understanding of both.”
    — Padma Venkatachalam, Howard University

“I think it’s perfect. Easy to read and understand. Exercises are doable and appropriate.”
    — Susan M. Perlis, Marywood University

"Excellent hands-on approach to learning SPSS. Students were enthusiastic and able to apply the information while looking at the examples."
    — Mary Ann Coupland, Sinte Gleska University

"This book will make a nice addition to the required text. The SPSS examples are clear and easy to follow."
    — Katherine Coy, Drury University

"Thank you. My students finally have a user-friendly guide to SPSS. This has taken a lot of stress off my students just learning SPSS. Easy to understand. Great step-by-step approach."
    — Martha Morrow, Shenandoah University

“Excellent for students in beginning statistics courses.”
    — Bernard Hanes, California State
     University, Northridge

“I use this book for intro to statistics. It is user-friendly, and I can introduce the students to statistics and SPSS at the same time.”
    — Gerry Becker, National-Louis University

“This is a great book for introducing students to the use of SPSS. It is not intimidating, is easy to understand, and supplements the students’ knowledge of basic statistics. The best news is that it is inexpensive and the students enjoy the exercises.”
    — Michael Montgomerey, PhD, Tennessee State          University

“The book is excellent. Students don’t have to have prior knowledge in statistics and SPSS to use this book. The book teaches you as if an instructor is right in front of you. Excellent book for beginning statistics students.”
    — Sule Ochai, Jackson State University

Excerpts from book reviews:

"In summary, SPSS Basics provides a straightforward, easy-to-learn introduction to the use of SPSS. This includes developing a beginning understanding of the operations of the program and the creation, interpretation, and reporting of generated output and basic statistics. There are consistent, clear and simple explanations throughout. As a useful guide for beginners, this text is an excellent start."
    — Book review by T. B. Conley and D. S. Schantz
     in Research on Social Work Practice, 16, 2006, p. 548.

“One of the finest books in SPSS ever written. Easy to understand.”
    — B. S. Jayman, College of Staten Island,
         The City University of New York

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