Using SPSS to Understand Research and Data Analysis.

Chapter 4

Variables in the EZDATA File:
The Sex Roles, Work Motives & Leadership Project

4.1 Before we create the data file...

By now you should have a basic understanding of SPSS, and know how to create a data file and how to generate simple frequency tables. We are now ready to describe a set of data that will provide the basis for statistical analyses using SPSS for the remainder of this book. We will devote this entire chapter to describing this data file obtained from a hypothetical study of sex roles and leadership effectiveness.

In creating a data file, a researcher must 1) decide which variables to include, 2) have measurements of these variables (i.e., scores) from participants, 3) organize these scores for input to the file, and 4) enter the scores into a data file to be saved for later use. Were we to carry out an actual research project, these steps could be both involved and time consuming (especially steps 1 and 2, which require reviewing the literature, designing the research project, and carrying it out).

We plan to save time by describing a hypothetical research project for which we have already generated data. We created the results to reflect those that might be expected if the study had actually been conducted. Thus, in this chapter we will present you with a set of variables and how they were measured to be entered as data from this hypothetical project. In Chapter 5 we will provide the actual scores for this data file and show you how to enter this data file into SPSS.

You will then use this data file to conduct a variety of statistical analyses using SPSS. These procedures will be introduced in the remaining chapters of this book, and you will be asked to apply them to this data file to analyze and interpret of the results of the hypothetical project.