Psyc 610: Using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences)

    We will learn about and use SPSS to summarize data and perform inferential statistical tests. 
In order to use SPSS, you must have a licensed copy or be using a computer on which a licensed
copy is available.  Metropolitan State University has made SPSS available to people with valid
NetDirect accounts, while working at the University.  Thus, you can access SPSS from any campus
computer, including those in Midway Room 104, the Psychology Lab (NM L202) and all University computer labs.
You can find out about NetDirect and computer lab locations by clicking here  (see links on right of page).

    Unfortunately, the University's agreement with SPSS does not allow use of SPSS from "remote"
locations (such as your home).  If you want to use SPSS away from campus, the only "reasonable"
options are to see if your employer might have the program (or want to get it) or for you to
purchase a student edition of the program.  Your SPSS book may have been packaged with a student
version of the program, so you may have the student version.  The student version has some limitations,
most notably that each data file is limited to 50 variables and 1500 cases (not much of a limitation there),
and that the program will expire after a certain number of years (2 or 4 years?) following installation.  Also, the
student version is ONLY for WINDOWS.  There are 1 or 2 analyses we do in the course, that cannot
be done on the student version.  If you want to explore SPSS search your favorite online marketplaces.
Supposedly, Prentice-Hall or www.prenhall.com is SPSS's chosen distributor (I think you can also get a package
with the textbook+SPSS here).  You could also try::
    www.studentdiscounts.com (various choices, usually 12 month use)   
    www.onthehub.com/spss/  ($35 Rental for 6 months - may or may not cover everything)
    www. textbooks.com had a $30 new copy of version 15 available

You can also find it at Amazon.com or ebay.com, but make sure you get a CD with the actual
program (not a textbook).  Older versions such as 12 or 13 are fine.  However, "used" copies may be risky.
Older versions often come with a longer use periods (e.g., 2 or 4 years)

Be careful if your computer runs Vista, you may need a "patch"