Quick Tutorials

Histograms allow us to visualize the distribution of quantitative variables like exam scores. In this tutorial we will show you how to create and customize a histogram in R using the the ggplot2 visualization package.  We will be working in RStudio, a program that makes it easier to work with R. Install and Load ggplot2 Since … Read more

Scatter plots give us a helpful way of visualizing the relationship between two numeric variables.  In this tutorial, we will  show you how to create a scatter plot in R using RStudio, a program that makes it easier to work with R. Install ggplot2 The best way to create a scatter plot in RStudio is … Read more

In this tutorial, we will show you one of the easiest methods you can use to import CSV files into R.   We will be working with RStudio, a program that makes it easier for users to work with R, and we will be using the the readr package.    Quick Steps Type install.packages(“tidyverse”) and click … Read more

In this tutorial, we will show you how to generate random numbers in R. Specifically, we will show you how to generate random numbers from both uniform distributions and normal distributions.   Throughout the tutorial we will be using RStudio, a program that makes it easier to work with R.   Generating Random Numbers from Uniform Distributions … Read more

In this tutorial, we will show you one of the easiest ways to import Excel (.xlsx and .xls) files into R using the readxl package.   We will be working with RStudio, a program that makes it easier to work with R.   Quick Steps Type install.packages(“tidyverse”) and click enter on your keyboard to install the … Read more

In this tutorial, we show you a quick and simple way to import SPSS (.sav) data files into R using the haven package. We will be working with RStudio, a program that makes it easier to work with R.   Quick Steps Type install.packages(“tidyverse”) and select enter on your keyboard to install tidyverse packages From … Read more

In this tutorial we will show you how to report a point-biserial correlation from SPSS in APA style.  First, we will provide two templates that you can use to report your point-biserial correlation in APA style.  Then we will show you how to populate these templates using your SPSS output.  Finally, we will show you … Read more

The point-biserial correlation is a special case of a Pearson correlation.  It measures the strength and direction of the relationship between a dichotomous variable (e.g., pass or fail) and a continuous variable (e.g., exam scores).  A dichotomous variable is a variable that has two values only, for example, male or female, pass or fail.  In … Read more

In this tutorial we will show you how to report your Wilcoxon signed-rank test from SPSS in APA style. First, we give you a template that you can use to report your results.  Then, we explain how to populate this template using the SPSS output from your own test.  Finally, we give you an example … Read more

In this tutorial we will show you how to report your chi-square goodness of fit test from SPSS in APA style. First, we give you a template that you can use to report your results.  Then, we show you how to populate this template using the SPSS output from your own test.  Finally, we give … Read more

In this tutorial we will show you how to perform and interpret the chi-square goodness of fit test in SPSS.   Quick Steps Click Analyze -> Nonparametric Tests -> Legacy Dialogs -> Chi-square Move your categorical variable to the Test Variable List box. Under Expected Values: Ensure that the All categories equal option is checked OR Check the Values option and enter your … Read more

In this quick tutorial, we will show you how to conduct and interpret a Wilcoxon signed-rank test in SPSS. Quick Steps Click Analyze -> Nonparametric tests -> Legacy Dialogs -> 2 Related samples… Click Reset (recommended). Move your first variable to the Variable1 cell of the Test Pairs box Move your second variable to the Variable2 … Read more

In this tutorial, we show you the easiest way to create a simple line graph in SPSS. Quick Steps Click Graphs -> Line (in newer versions of SPSS) OR Click Graphs -> Legacy Dialogs -> Line (in older versions of SPSS) Ensure that Simple is selected. Under Data in Chart Are, select Values of individual cases Click Define … Read more

In this tutorial we will show you how to report a Spearman’s rank order correlation from SPSS in APA style. We have included two templates for reporting your Spearman’s correlation here.  We will demonstrate how to populate these templates using the SPSS output from your own study.  In addition, at the end of the tutorial, … Read more

So, you want to use SPSS, IBM’s statistical software package, and you’re wondering whether you can download it for free? IBM offers a free 30-day trial of SPSS but, beyond that, you will normally have to pay for your license. Some academic institutions offer students, faculty and researchers free access to SPSS either via a … Read more

Spearman’s rank order correlation is a non-parametric test that we use to measure the strength and direction of the relationship between two variables measured on an ordinal, interval, or ratio scale. In this tutorial, we explain when you should use Spearman’s correlation; and how to calculate and interpret it in SPSS. Quick Steps Click Analyze … Read more

In this tutorial we show you how to compute and interpret Levene’s test for equality of variances in SPSS. Levene’s test assesses whether the variance of a dependent variable (e.g., exam scores) is equal for two or more groups (e.g., males and females).  Equality of variances is also known as homogeneity of variance and it … Read more

A population pyramid is a chart that allows us to visualize the distribution of a population by age and gender.  In this tutorial we will show you how to create a population pyramid in SPSS. Quick Steps Click Graphs -> Population Pyramid (in newer versions of SPSS) OR Click Graphs -> Legacy Dialogs -> Population Pyramid … Read more

In this quick tutorial, we’ll show you how to find the mode for one or more variables in SPSS. Quick Steps Click Analyze -> Descriptive Statistics -> Frequencies Click Reset (recommended) Move the variable(s) for which you want to calculate the mode to the Variable(s) box on the right Ensure that the Display frequency tables box is checked. Click Statistics … Read more

In this tutorial, we show you how to report a paired samples t-test from SPSS in APA style. First, we provide a template that you can use to a report paired samples t-test in APA style. Next, we show you how to use the SPSS output from your own t-test to populate this template. Finally, … Read more