Using SPSS Syntax
A Beginner's Guide
- Jacqueline Collier - University of East Anglia, UK
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.
'This is a welcome addition to the available textbooks. I believe Jacqueline's text will prove to be very useful to the many researchers, students, and other professional SPSS syntax users' Assess
does not do what Field does
The text is a good introduction, but focuses heavily on some aspects of syntax that students in my class will not need. Right now, it is a good text for a small group of graduate students or an advanced group of undergrads, but won't work for my larger 50 student course. I do like the book and have had my RAs purchase it.
Still prefer Salkind's statistics book for overall simplicity and integration with SPSS. Good supplement for Repeated Measures ANOVA, which requires working in Syntax.
