SPSS: Central Tendency and Variability

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SPSS: Central Tendency and Variability

Understanding descriptive statistics and their variability is a fundamental aspect of statistical analysis. On their own, descriptive statistics tell us how frequently an observation occurs, what is considered “average”, and how far data in our sample deviate from being “average.” With descriptive statistics, we are able to provide a summary of characteristics from both large and small datasets. In addition to the valuable information they provide on their own, measures of central tendency and variability become important components in many of the statistical tests that we will cover. Therefore, we can think about central tendency and variability as the cornerstone to the quantitative structure we are building.

For this Discussion, you will examine central tendency and variability based on two separate variables. You will also explore the implications for positive social change based on the results of the data.

To prepare for this Discussion:

  • Review this week’s learning resources for the Descriptive Statistics video transcript attached.
  • Open the General Social Survey data-set. Choose one continuous variable (interval or ratio) and one categorical variable (nominal or ordinal). Remember, ‘Scale’ is an SPSS term and it is not a level of measurement.
  • As you review, consider the implications for positive social change based on the results of your data.
  • Post, present, and report a descriptive analysis for your variables, specifically noting the following:

For your continuous variable:

  • Report the mean, median, and mode.
  • What might be the better measure for central tendency? (i.e., mean, median, or mode) and why?
  • Report the standard deviation.
  • How variable are the data?
  • How would you describe this data?
  • What sort of research question would this variable help answer that might inform social change?

Post the following information for your categorical variable:

  • A frequency distribution.
  • An appropriate measure of variation.
  • How variable are the data?
  • How would you describe this data?
  • What sort of research question would this variable help answer that might inform social change?

Do some research in order to support your summary using at least 3 appropriate scholarly citations and references. Use proper APA format.

Please also see the attached guidlines on how to complete the discussion if further clarification is needed.