Writing SPSS Reports

Assumptions You have taken 100W You achieved basic competence in writing in 100w You have basic competence using a word processing program You will follow directions You can modify the basic steps outlined here to meet the particular needs of different assignments

Pre-Writing Tips Read the assignment directions Be sure all parts of the assignment are completed Write the report like you are going to give it to a person who has no idea what you are doing Be clear Be descriptive Be concise

Writing Your Report Introduction – Discuss what you are doing in the report What is the purpose of the report? – Preview the material to follow What is going to follow in your report? – Multiple paragraphs may be necessary

Writing Your Report Introduction Body – Address specific questions asked – Analysis (Description of the data) Reference tables – Each table you make should have a unique number and title » Table number uniquely identifies each table For Example “Table 1” (Note that the word “Table” is capitalized) » The title is a description of a table For example:” Frequency distribution of respondent’s labor force status (workstat)” – Cite/reference the title and table Cite data – Minimally cite three data points for each table NEVER CITE FREQUENCIES! Summarize findings – Given all the data in a table what does it tell us about the variable(s) being observed?

Writing Your Report Introduction Body Conclusion – What did you do? (Similar to what you did in the introduction) – Did you encounter any problems? If so describe them and how you solved them – This also may take several paragraphs

Writing Your Report Introduction Body Conclusion Tables – Included following the report – Can also follow the analysis Output – Include following tables – Include only relevant output

Final Tips Read the directions Make sure all parts of the assignment are completed Include a cover page – Your name – Assignment name – Date you submit your work – Honor statement Proofread/Edit – Spell check! – Have a friend read the paper for clarity The word data is plural – “Data are” Not “Data is"

Writing SPSS Reports