Data files and exercises
Data files
Throughout the SPSS Survival Manual you will see examples of research that is taken from a number of different data files, survey.zip, error.zip, experim.zip, depress.zip, sleep.zip and staffsurvey.zip. To use these files, which are available here, you will need to download them to your hard drive or memory stick. Once downloaded you'll need to unzip the files. To do this, right click on the downloaded zip file and select 'extract all' from the menu. You can then open them within SPSS.
(To do this, start SPSS, click on the Open an existing data source button from the opening screen and then on More Files. This will allow you to search through the various directories on your computer to find where you have stored your data files. Find the file you wish to use and click Open.)
Survey.sav
This is a real data file, condensed from a study that was conducted by my Graduate Diploma in Educational Psychology students. The study was designed to explore the factors that impact on respondents' psychological adjustment and wellbeing. The survey contained a variety of validated scales measuring constructs that the extensive literature on stress and coping suggest influence people's experience of stress. The scales measured self-esteem, optimism, perceptions of control, perceived stress, positive and negative affect, and life satisfaction. A scale was also included that measured people's tendency to present themselves in a favourable or socially desirable manner. The survey was distributed to members of the general public in Melbourne, Australia and surrounding districts. The final sample size was 439, consisting of 42 per cent males and 58 per cent females, with ages ranging from 18 to 82 (mean=37.4).
Download PDF of questionnaire and codebook used for survey.zip
(Adobe Reader required)
Download PDF of full questionnaire for survey.zip
(Adobe Reader required)
Download the complete syntax file surveysyntax.sps
Error.sav
The data in this file has been modified from the survey.zip file to incorporate some deliberate errors to be identified using the procedures covered in Chapter 5. For information on the variables etc. see details on survey.zip.
Experim.sav
This is a manufactured data set that was created to provide suitable data for the demonstration of statistical techniques such as t-test for repeated measures, and one-way ANOVA for repeated measures. This data set refers to a fictitious study that involves testing the impact of two different types of interventions in helping students cope with their anxiety concerning a forthcoming statistics course. Students were divided into two equal groups and asked to complete a number of scales (Time 1). These included a Fear of Statistics test, Confidence in Coping with Statistics scale and Depression scale. One group (Group 1) was given a number of sessions designed to improve mathematical skills, the second group (Group 2) was subjected to a program designed to build confidence in the ability to cope with statistics. After the program (Time 2) they were again asked to complete the same scales that they completed before the program. They were also followed up three months later (Time 3). Their performance on a statistics exam was also measured.
Manipulate.sav
This file contains data extracted from hospital records which allows you to try using some of the SPSS data manipulation procedures covered in Chapter 8 Manipulating the data. This includes converting text data (Male, Female) to numbers (1, 2) that can be used in statistical analyses and manipulating dates to create new variables (e.g. length of time between two dates).
Depress.sav
This file has been included to allow the demonstration of some specific techniques in Chapter 16. It includes just a few of the key variables from a real study conducted by one of my postgraduate students on the factors impacting on wellbeing in first time mothers. It includes scores from a number of different psychological scales designed to assess depression (details in Chapter 16 on Kappa Measure of Agreement).
Sleep.sav
This is real data file condensed from a study conducted to explore the prevalence and impact of sleep problems on various aspects of people's lives. Staff from a university in Melbourne, Australia were invited to complete a questionnaire containing questions about their sleep behaviour (e.g. hours slept per night), sleep problems (e.g. difficulty getting to sleep) and the impact that these problems have on aspects of their lives (work, driving, relationships). The sample consisted of 271 respondents (55% female, 45% male) ranging in age from 18 to 84 years (mean=44yrs).
Download a PDF questionnaire and codebook used for sleep.zip
(Adobe Reader required)
Staffsurvey.sav
This is a real data file condensed from a study conducted to assess the satisfaction levels of staff from an educational institution with branches in a number of locations across Australia. Staff were asked to complete a short, anonymous questionnaire (shown later in this Appendix) containing questions about their opinion of various aspects of the organisation and the treatment they have received as employees.
Download a PDF questionnaire and codebook used for staffsurvey.zip
(Adobe Reader required)
Additional resources
Parallel analysis
In Chapter 15 on Factor Analysis I refer to the zipped file for the MonteCarlo PCA for Windows, which is available here.
To download the file for Mac, please visit
http://edpsychassociates.com/Watkins3.html