A Conceptual Guide to Statistics Using SPSS
- Elliot T. Berkman - University of Oregon, USA, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
- Steven P. Reise - University of California, Los Angeles, USA
Each chapter begins with a student-friendly explanation of the concept behind each statistical test and how the test relates to that concept. The authors then walk through the steps to compute the test in SPSS and the output, pointing out wherever possible how the SPSS procedure and output connects back to the conceptual underpinnings of the test. Each of the steps is accompanied by annotated screen shots from SPSS, and relevant components of output are highlighted in both the text and in the figures.
Sections explain the conceptual machinery underlying the statistical tests. In contrast to merely presenting the equations for computing the statistic, these sections describe the idea behind each test in plain language and help students make the connection between the ideas and SPSS procedures. These include extensive treatment of custom hypothesis testing in ANOVA, MANOVA, ANCOVA, and regression, and an entire chapter on the advanced matrix algebra functions available only through syntax in SPSS.
The book will be appropriate for both advanced undergraduate and graduate level courses in statistics.
“The most impressive part of this text is its comprehensiveness. It covers all of the major statistical analyses anyone would need to know about. I found it difficult to read at times because I was not given the figures to see in order to understand better the text. Also headings were not distinct and/or missing which would have made it easier to read. There are not many texts like this available so it would allow instructors some flexibility in choosing a text appropriate for their needs. At this point it is too advanced for my students but I might buy a personal edition as a reference for myself.”
“I think the tone is excellent and like the way that the author explained the concepts in an efficient way. The main advantage of this book over its competitors is its scope and coverage of both “point and click” and syntax methods for using SPSS. I do prefer this style to the texts I’ve used in the past, but I find it easier to write my own lab guides and post them on the course’s e-learning page.”
"In my view the text is written in a user friendly language and illustrates concepts that would otherwise be confusing to beginning students and those with limited computer skills. Increasingly there are non-traditional students who are entering the education pipelines who need precise resources to guide them in accomplishing the tasks they need to without going through.”
“I think the single most impressive aspect is the bridge between the practical and conceptual/theoretical. The author has done a nice job with this. I also like some of the things he mentions (“tidbits”) that are normally not mentioned in texts like this. I believe these two things distinguish it from other like texts. Adopt: Very likely. As I said earlier, I’ve been looking for something like this. So, it would definitely go further than any other book I know in fulfilling that need.”
Clear explanations and nice visuals. This book would possibly serve as a nice supplementary text in a course in which another book with more theoretical information about the methods. I didn't adopt because the book doesn't include the nonparametric methods I am required to teach.
Excellent book for my students
like Salkind better
Course being retooled - but this book may be a possibility for the future.
More detail than I need
Compared to other potential texts, this book is an easy read that is less intimidating, but contains much of the same information. The availability of data files and PowerPoint slides from the author's website facilitated the understanding of complex numerical concepts that can be somewhat challenging.
