The usefulness of the quantitative method of statistical analysis (SPSS) as a mode of data analysis for research purposes

Scientific Essay , 2011 , 8 Pages , Grade: 70%

Communications - Public Relations, Advertising, Marketing, Social Media

This paper will look to analyse the use of the quantitative method of statistical analysis (SPSS) as a mode of data analysis for research purposes. It will aim to explain what is involved in the SPSS process by giving example to the Research Methods (RM) class dated 17th November 2010, ‘Fundamentals of Statistical Analysis I’, which involved the analysis of quantitative data through the use of the SPSS application. This will include what the exercise entailed, how data was generated for analysis using this method and how the method was executed. The discussion will then move on to describe some real life research question data that can be analysed using this method. The type of analysis to expect from SPSS will also be discussed. A discursive comparison of the SPSS method to the qualitative method of thematic analysis as a data analysis tool will be conducted at end of this paper; this will give light to the advantages and hindrances of the SPSS method.

Babbie et al, (2003) explain SPSS as a ‘vehicle for discovering differences and relationships in data’, they state:

“In many ways, SPSS is a vehicle for discovering differences and relationships in data, the same way a car is a vehicle for discovering places we have not yet visited…we plan the trip and set the directions. Similarly when we use SPSS, we choose the data we wish to explore and select the statistical procedures we wish to use…with SPSS commands. These commands instruct SPSS where to find our data, ways in which we want to modify the data, and the statistical procedures we want to use. (Babbie et al., 2003: 37)

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• The usefulness of the quantitative method of statistical analysis (SPSS) as a mode of data analysis for research purposes
• Introduction
• The SPSS Process
• Data Generation
• SPSS Method for Real-Life Research
• SPSS Analysis
• Comparison to Qualitative Methods
• Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This paper explores the application of statistical analysis using SPSS as a data analysis method in research. It aims to explain the SPSS process, provide examples from a real-world research scenario, and discuss the advantages and limitations of SPSS compared to qualitative methods.

• The SPSS process and its application in data analysis.
• The generation and collection of quantitative data suitable for SPSS analysis.
• Types of research questions and hypotheses that can be addressed using SPSS.
• Comparison of SPSS to qualitative methods of data analysis.
• The advantages and limitations of using SPSS for research purposes.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction: This section introduces the topic of SPSS as a mode of data analysis for research purposes. It outlines the paper's objectives and scope, emphasizing the importance of understanding the SPSS process and its application in real-world research.
• The SPSS Process: This section explains the steps involved in conducting statistical analysis using SPSS. It provides a clear explanation of how data is inputted, manipulated, and analyzed using SPSS commands. The discussion includes examples from a workshop on 'Fundamentals of Statistical Analysis I' where students analyzed reaction time data.
• Data Generation: This section delves into the process of generating quantitative data suitable for SPSS analysis. It emphasizes the importance of research questions and data collection tools in obtaining raw data for statistical analysis. The section also explores the difference between qualitative and quantitative research questions and provides examples of research questions that would yield quantitative data.
• SPSS Method for Real-Life Research: This section examines how SPSS can be applied to real-life research questions. It discusses the types of research questions that are best suited for SPSS analysis and provides examples of research questions that can be answered using this method. The section also explores the importance of hypothesis generation in quantitative research.
• SPSS Analysis: This section focuses on the types of analysis that can be conducted using SPSS. It discusses the different types of statistical procedures available in SPSS and explains how these procedures can be used to answer research questions. The section also highlights the advantages of using SPSS for data analysis, such as its precision and ability to produce visually appealing charts and graphs.
• Comparison to Qualitative Methods: This section compares SPSS to qualitative methods of data analysis. It explores the advantages and limitations of both quantitative and qualitative methods and discusses when each method is most appropriate for research.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This paper focuses on the use of quantitative data analysis using SPSS, highlighting its application in research. Key concepts include statistical analysis, SPSS software, data generation, research questions, hypotheses, qualitative research, and thematic analysis. The paper also explores the advantages and limitations of SPSS as a data analysis tool, emphasizing the importance of selecting the appropriate research method for a given research question.

• College: The University of Surrey
• Grade: 70%
• Author: Sunny Kohli (Author)
• Publication Year: 2011
• Pages: 8
• Catalog Number: V170289
• ISBN (eBook): 9783640890385
• ISBN (Book): 9783640890552
• Language: English