Data Services: SPSS

This small book addresses different kinds of datafiles, as commonly encountered in clinical research, and their data-analysis on SPSS Software. Some 15 years ago serious statistical analyses were conducted by specialist statisticians using ma- frame computers. Nowadays, there is ready access to statistical computing using personal computers or laptops, and this practice has changed boundaries between basic statistical methods that can be conveniently carried out on a pocket calculator and more advanced statistical methods that can only be executed on a computer. Clinical researchers currently perform basic statistics without professional help from a statistician, including t-tests and chi-square tests. With help of user-friendly software the step from such basic tests to more complex tests has become smaller, and more easy to take. It is our experience as masters' and doctorate class teachers of the European College of Pharmaceutical Medicine (EC Socrates Project Lyon France) that s- dents are eager to master adequate command of statistical software for that purpose. However, doing so, albeit easy, still takes 20-50 steps from logging in to the final result, and all of these steps have to be learned in order for the procedures to be successful.

The first part of this title contained all statistical tests that are relevant for starters on SPSS, and included standard parametric and non-parametric tests for continuous and binary variables, regression methods, trend tests, and reliability and validity assessments of diagnostic tests. The current part 2 of this title reviews multistep methods, multivariate models, assessments of missing data, performance of diagnostic tests, meta-regression, Poisson regression, confounding and interaction, and survival analyses using log tests and segmented time-dependent Cox regression. Methods for assessing non linear models, data seasonality, distribution free methods, including Monte Carlo methods and artificial intelligence, and robust tests are also covered. Each method of testing is explained using a data example from clinical practice,including every step in SPSS, and a text with interpretations of the results and hints convenient for data reporting. In order to facilitate the use of this cookbook the data files of the examples is made available by the editor through extras.springer.com. Both part 1 and 2 of this title contain a minima amount of text and maximal technical details, but we believe that this property will not refrain students from mastering the SPSS software systematics, and that, instead, it will be a help to that aim. Yet, we recommend that it will used together with the textbook "Statistics Applied to Clinical Trials" (5th edition, Springer, Dordrecht 2012) and the e-books "Statistics on a Pocket Calculator Part 1 and 2 (Springer, Dordrecht, 2011 and 2012) from the same authors.

SPSS Explained provides the student with all that they need to undertake statistical analysis using SPSS. It combines a step-by-step approach to each procedure with easy to follow screenshots at each stage of the process. A number of other helpful features are provided: regular advice boxes with tips specific to each test explanations divided into 'essential' and 'advanced' sections to suit readers at different levels frequently asked questions at the end of each chapter. The first edition of this popular book has been fully updated for IBM SPSS version 21 and also includes: chapters that explain bootstrapping and how this is used an introduction to binary logistic regression coverage of new features such as Chart Builder. Presented in full colour and with a fresh, reader-friendly layout, this fully updated new edition also comes with a companion website featuring an array of supplementary resources for students. The authors have many years of experience in teaching SPSS to students from a wide range of disciplines. Their understanding of SPSS users' concerns, as well as a knowledge of the type of questions students ask, form the foundation of this book. Minimal prior knowledge is assumed, so the book is well designed for the novice user, but it will also be a useful reference source for those developing their own expertise in SPSS. It is suitable for all students who need to do statistical analysis using SPSS in various departments including Psychology, Social Science, Business Studies, Nursing, Education, Health and Sport Science, Communication and Media, Geography, and Biology.

SPSS syntax is the command language used by SPSS to carry out all of its commands and functions. In this book, Jacqueline Collier introduces the use of syntax to those who have not used it before, or who are taking their first steps in using syntax. Without requiring any knowledge of programming, the text outlines: - how to become familiar with the syntax commands; - how to create and manage the SPSS journal and syntax files; - and how to use them throughout the data entry, management and analysis process. Collier covers all aspects of data management from data entry through to data analysis, including managing the errors and the error messages created by SPSS. Syntax commands are clearly explained and the value of syntax is demonstrated through examples. This book also supports the use of SPSS syntax alongside the usual button and menu-driven graphical interface (GIF) using the two methods together, in a complementary way. The book is written in such a way as to enable you to pick and choose how much you rely on one method over the other, encouraging you to use them side-by-side, with a gradual increase in use of syntax as your knowledge, skills and confidence develop. This book is ideal for all those carrying out quantitative research in the health and social sciences who can benefit from SPSS syntax's capacity to save time, reduce errors and allow a data audit trail.