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Research Software Learning Online: SPSS

Accessing SPSS

SPSS logo​SPSS is a platform used for statistical analysis and is widely used in the social sciences. It has slightly more 'point and click' functionality than some of the other statistical analysis packages, and is easy to learn and to use.

Students can access SPSS on all of the University-managed computers across campus, and remotely via UniApps and UniDesk. Staff and students can also download SPSS to use on your own device.

Please note that O'Reilly deletes content in December and June. If you are linking to courses on this platform we advise that you check that they are still running in January and July of each year. 

Getting started courses

These courses are suitable for researchers who are completely new to using SPSS. 

Basic Statistics and Data Mining for Data Science (3 hours)

This video course assumes a working knowledge of managing data in SPSS and is designed so that the theory is taught in a way that can be applied to any statistics package. The demonstrations are given in SPSS Statistics. The course covers: 

  • The basic steps of data analysisBasic statistics and data mining for data science
  • Summarising data
  • Hypothesis testing
  • Chi-Square tests
  • T-Tests
  • ANOVA
  • Correlation

Intermediate and advanced courses

These courses are suitable for those with a working knowledge of managing data in SPSS however, the majority of them are taught as general statistics courses with application examples provided in SPSS Statistics.

Advanced Statistics and Data Mining for Data Science (3 hours)

This video course provides an overview of advanced statistics in general and so could be used to learn the theory before applying the knowledge in practice in any statistics package. The course provides worked examples using SPSS Statistics and SPSS Modeler. The course assumes an existing working knowledge of SPSS. The course covers: 

  • Predictive modellingAdvanced statistics and data mining for data science​
  • Linear regression
  • Decision tree models
  • Neural networks
  • Cluster analysis
  • Association modelling

SPSS Statistics Essential Training (2.5 hours)

In this course you will learn about:

  • Importing data into SPSS from various file formats
  • Transforming data by specifying variable types, measurement levels, and roles
  • Creating and customizing visualizations like bar charts, box plots, and scatter plots
  • Conducting exploratory data analysis (EDA) using various commands
  • Performing correlation analysis and generating cross-tabulations for data interpretation

Machine Learning and AI Foundations: Decision Trees with SPSS (1.5 hours)

By understanding decision tree algorithms and using tools like IBM SPSS Modeler, you can improve your data analysis processes and make more informed decisions based on the insights derived from the data.

In this course, you will learn:

  • Using the SPSS Modeler for data analysis
  • Building decision tree models like CHAID and C&RT
  • Analyzing and interpreting algorithms
  • Handling different types of variables effectively
  • Applying advanced techniques like pruning and stopping rules

Machine Learning and AI: Advanced Decision Trees with SPSS (1.5 hours)

In this course, you will learn how to apply advanced decision tree algorithms, specifically focusing on the QUEST and C5.0 algorithms. Here's what you can expect to learn:
 

  • Understanding QUEST functions and applications
  • Concepts and practical applications of the C5.0 algorithm
  • Exploring information gain and its significance
  • Learning about random forests and their applications
  • Understanding boosting and bagging techniques
  • These topics will provide you with valuable insights into machine learning and decision trees, which can be beneficial for your role as a Research Support Specialist in the field of higher education.