An Intermediate Guide to SPSS Programming; Using Syntax for Data Management

"The book makes a distinct and important contribution to the field by focusing on an important set of skills that is often only briefly touched upon (if at all) in courses or texts. SPSS users benefit from having solid familiarity with syntax coding in addition to being able to use the pull-down menus. A careful study of this book will help readers advance these important skills." -Eric Einspruch, RMC Research Corporation "Where was this manual when I was trying to learn SPSS for my dissertation after switching from MiniTab? It would have been a valuable tool to save enormous amounts of time. It is succinct and to the point." --Wanda J. Long, St. Charles Community College An Intermediate Guide to SPSS Programming: Using Syntax for Data Management introduces the major tasks of data management and presents solutions using SPSS syntax. This book fills an important gap in the education of many students and researchers, whose coursework has left them unprepared for the data management issues that confront them when they begin to do independent research. It also serves as an introduction to SPSS programming: All the basic features of SPSS syntax are illustrated, as are many intermediate and advanced topics such as using vectors and loops, reading complex data files, and using the SPSS macro language. Key Features Overview of data management issues, with practical solutions a?? A beginner-level introduction to SPSS and computer programming a?? Many examples of SPSS syntax and annotated output a?? Chapters on date and time variables in SPSS, missing data, nonstandard data files, and SPSS macro language, and random processes An Intermediate Guide to SPSS Programming will be a welcome addition to advanced undergraduate and graduate statistics courses across the social sciences, education, and health. Professional researchers, data managers, and statisticians will also find this an invaluable reference for SPSS and data management.