SPSS

The "Common Tasks and Functions" section of this guide walks through how to perform various tasks in SPSS using syntax/code. We provide example syntax/code, results from analysis, and break down what we can learn from our analysis. 

The "Workshops Materials" section contains the data files and workshop handouts for the SPSS 1 and SPSS 2 workshops (teaching the point-and-click approach to using SPSS) and SPSS 3 (teaching the syntax/code approach).

What this guide is about?

The Common Tasks and Functions section of this guide walks through how you can perform data manipulation, data analysis, and graphing in the Stata program using code. We provide example code, results from analysis, and break down what we can learn from the analyses. 

The Workshops Materials section contains data files and workshop handouts for the SPSS 1 and SPSS 2 workshops (teaching the point-and-click approach to using SPSS) and SPSS 3 (teaching the syntax/code approach).

Use the tab menu on the left to navigate through this research guide.

In addition to the information on this guide, Research Data Services has research guides for various other programs. Click on the links below to explore other programs! 

• R and RStudio
• SAS
• Stata
• Python

SPSS is on ALL of the University Library computers - it's listed as IBM SPSS.

Other access options:

• SPSS is currently available for free download to GSU faculty, staff, and student personally-owned computers from the GSU University-Licensed Software download page -- once in software download site:

  1. Scroll to SPSS and click blue LOG IN TO DOWNLOAD button > login with your CampusID/password

  2. Next page: Click the SPSS version you wish to download (there's usually 1-2 versions available, when in doubt pick the latest one).

  3. Next page: Use dropdown to select your OS (Windows or Mac) > click Add to Cart button (don't worry it's free to you as a GSU person!) > in pop-up window click Check Out button

  4. Next pages: "Sign" agreement and click Accept button > checkbox that you're not a robot > click Download button.

  5. Walk through download/installation steps, and when prompted for license number: Go back to software site > in top right corner, click the dropdown arrow next to "Hello, [your name]" to go to My Accounts/ Orders > click View Details button and then word Instructions > copy the authorization code to paste in installation step.

• If you have issues with installing SPSS, please contact campus IT at help@gsu.edu

• Via the vLab virtual desktop environment
  • If you're off-campus, you'll also need to download and login to the VPN.
  • The vLab allows a maximum of 300 concurrent users..   

LEARNING SPSS:

• Check out the resources on the SPSS research guide (NOTE: This guide teaches SPSS syntax, NOT point-and-click approach).
• The library has online and print SPSS manuals available - click here to search our GIL-Find Catalog.
• Learn via tutorials: Lynda.com SPSS videos | "SPSS for Newbies" YouTube videos | how2stats YouTube videos | SPSS Tutorials by Kent State University Libraries
• Learn to use SPSS syntax: Kent State Libraries Using SPSS Syntax tutorial | Raynald’s SPSS Tools SPSS Syntax Home
• ICPSR's "Guide to Interpreting SPSS Output"
• Some SPSS FAQs provided by UCLA.
• Attend a workshop -- see the LIBRARY CALENDAR for dates and times
• Watch one of our RECORDED WORKSHOPS
• See the Research Data Services website to schedule an appointment for help.