Writing SPSS Reports

1. Writing SPSS Reports

2. Assumptions • You have taken 100W • You achieved basic competence in writing in 100w • You have basic competence using a word processing program • You will follow directions • You can modify the basic steps outlined here to meet the particular needs of different assignments

3. Pre-Writing Tips Read the assignment directions Be sure all parts of the assignment are completed Write the report like you are going to give it to a person who has no idea what you are doing • Be clear • Be descriptive • Be concise

4. Writing Your Report • Introduction • Discuss what you are doing in the report • What is the purpose of the report? • Preview the material to follow • What is going to follow in your report? • Multiple paragraphs may be necessary

5. Writing Your Report • Introduction • Body • Address specific questions asked • Analysis (Description of the data) • Reference tables • Each table you make should have a unique number and title • Table number uniquely identifies each table • For Example “Table 1” • The title is a description of a table • For example:” Frequency distribution of respondent’s labor force status (workstat)” • Cite/reference the title and table • Cite data • Minimally cite three data points • Never cite frequencies! • Summarize findings • Given all the data in a table what does it tell us about the variable(s) being observed?

6. Writing Your Report • Introduction • Body • Conclusion • What did you do? (Similar to what you did in the introduction) • Did you encounter any problems? If so describe them and how you solved them • This also may take several paragraphs

7. Writing Your Report • Introduction • Body • Conclusion • Tables • Included following the report • Can also follow the analysis • Output • Include following tables • Include only relevant output

8. Final Tips • Read the directions • Make sure all parts of the assignment are completed • Include a cover page • Your name • Assignment name • Date you submit your work • Honor statement • Proofread/Edit • Spell check! • Have a friend read the paper for clarity • The word data is plural • “Data are” Not “Data is"

9. Writing SPSS Reports