For this assignment you will need to download and open a data file that is posted in the Course Content folder and titled “descriptive dataset.sav”.  1. Perform analyses in SPSS on three (3) vari

For this assignment you will need to download and open a data file that is posted in the Course Content folder and titled “descriptive dataset.sav”.  

1. Perform analyses in SPSS on three (3) variables (one nominal, one ordinal, and one interval-level variable) to obtain appropriate descriptive statistics (e.g., measures of central tendency, dispersion, and distribution) related to the sample. Be sure to choose appropriate descriptive statistics that corresponds with level of measurement (nominal/ordinal/interval) for each of the three variables selected. For example, only the mode, frequency or percentage of total cases can be reported for a nominal variable.

2. Create data displays (e.g., histogram graphs, bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts) appropriate for the selected variables.

3. Export or paste your output into a Word document.  Describe the results.  Identify whether data are normally distributed. (e.g., You may choose to also write about the data distribution's skew and kurtosis.) Write up the results of these analyses as they would appear in a research report. Use the APA manual or the OWL at Purdue Writing with Statistics webpage for formatting guidance. Be sure to discuss your analyses.

4. Write a short paragraph that highlights your understanding of why exploratory data is a critical part of any statistical analysis. The rationale must include definitions of key concepts and course citations to demonstrate your understanding.

You will be posting a draft of this assignment on the Discussion Board by 11:59 PM on Thursday of Learning Module 3.  You are then required to write a peer review of a classmate’s assignment (300-500 words) by noon on Sunday of Learning Module 3. Feedback from classmates (and the instructor) should be incorporated into the assignment that is turned in by 11:59 PM on Sunday of Learning Module 3.  The peer review you provide to a classmate will be scored as a Discussion Board Activity.  After Week 1, we will determine whose assignment you will complete the peer review so that everyone has a peer review completed on their draft.