Writing SPSS Reports Assumptions You have taken 100

Writing SPSS Reports

Assumptions • You have taken 100 W • You achieved basic competence in writing in 100 W • 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 you recognize all the parts of the assignment Approach the report like the reader 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 ALONE! • 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 – Can go in two places: • following the report • following 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 • 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