Writing Assignment #4
Describing a Variable: Univariate Analysis
To complete this assignment, you will need to use SPSS 10.0 for Windows.
This assignment is based on the three variables in the file Exer.sav that you have used in Writing Assignment #3. You are describing the three variables.
You are not yet linking the variables to test your hypotheses.
Tables, Graphs, and Appropriate Statistics
- Present tables that provide both a frequency distribution and a
percentage distribution of each of your variables. Don't just give me the computer output
as SPSS initially produces it. Use the initial computer output as the basis for the tables
you create in SPSS or WORD. Make sure that your tables follow the "rules" for
good table construction. MAKE SURE YOU ESTABLISH YOUR MISSING DATA CODES.
- Present a bar graph, a line graph, or a pie chart of each of your
variables. Make sure that you label these figures appropriately, following the
"rules" for good graph construction. ELIMINATE MISSING DATA FROM YOUR
GRAPHS.
- Present the mean, median, and mode of your dependent and independent
variables, AS APPROPRIATE to the level of measurement of your variables. When I say
"present" the appropriate measures of central tendency, I mean give me the
numbers in the text of your report OR in the "box" produced by
SPSS.
Discussion
- Summarize the tables/graphs in words, discussing the substance of what
you learn from this analysis of percentage distributions. (What does the table/graph tell
you?)
- Discuss the substance of what you learn from this analysis of measures
of central tendency. (What do these measures of central tendency tell you about each of
your variables?)