SPSS: Displaying Data
Even long ago, visual displays were used to communicate thoughts and ideas to others. Sometimes, just as in the visual displays on cave walls, pictures are the best way to tell a “story” where narrative words may not be sufficient. It still remains true today that “graphics are one of the most important aspects of data analysis because they allow us to visualize the data and the patterns in the data” (Dietz & Kalof, 2009, p. 66). Such is the case in statistics, where displaying data is critical.
Visual displays of data provide you and anyone else with a graphical display of what is often a complex array of quantitative data. A key strength of visualization is the ability to quickly enlighten you with key data. Rather than solely relying on your audience to interpret numerical values and statistics explained in a narrative, a visual display can easily illustrate descriptions, relationships, and trends. Although the focus is on simplicity, the researcher has an obligation to present these graphical displays in a clear and meaningful way.
In this assignment, you will examine the different ways to display data and understand why visually presenting data can illustrate the “story” of the data. You also will begin to create your own visual displays of data to further your knowledge and skill set.
To complete this Discussion:
- Review the learning resources related to frequency distributions and graphic displays of data attached.
- Using the SPSS software, open the General Social Survey data-set found attached.
- Select 1 Scale (interval or ratio) variable and 1 Nominal variable from the data set. Remember to scroll to the Measure column in the data-set to identify your variables’ Level of Measurement.
- Next, use the Graphs tool from the top menu in SPSS and create a display(figure or table) for each of the 2 variables you chose.
- Think about what is good about how the data are displayed in the figure or table you created and what is not so good.
Finally, the APA Manual states that the display should be simple, clear, easy to read, and easy to understand. Briefly explain why your display has these attributes but make sure your explanation is simple, clear, easy to read, and easy to understand.
Do some research in order to support your summary using appropriate scholarly citations and references. Use proper APA format.
Post your displays and explanation via a word document.
