We will reference these tabs throughout the manual

Steps for Importing Files

1. Open SPSS: you will see one spreadsheet with columns named Var and numbered rows. This is the Data View, where you can see your data values. If you click on Variable View, you will be able to view and change the characteristics of each variable (ie Name, Type, Decimals etc.)
2. File -> Open -> Data: if will open a new window for you to choose your data file. You can reach to the same window by clicking on the button circled in red next to the Save button. SPSS is able to import most of the data files types you need.
3. Now you can start your analysis. In the picture above, we chose a dataset of height vs weight with the respective numerical values for each observation.

Steps for Creating a Scatterplot

1. Graphs -> Chart Builder: a window will open. On the top you will see the variables and the preview of your graph, and on the bottom, you will see the possible graphs you may want to select
2. Scatter/Dot under Gallery -> Simple Scatter (the first picture): you can see the preview changes as you browse the different plots
3. Drag the variables: drag the variables on the top left on the plot to match the X-Axis and Y-Axis. The plot will change its shape as you do so. You can also customize the labels and other features of the scatterplot by browsing through this window.
4. OK: Here is your scatterplot you chose.  In our example, x=height, y=weight.

Steps for Computing Summary Statistics

1. Analyze-> Descriptive Statistics
2. Choose the Variables of interest. In our example, we chose to observe the weight variable
3. If you click on the Options button you can see all the different measurements
4. OK: In the Output window you will see the Summary Statistics

Steps for Fitting a Linear Regression Model:

1. Analyze -> Regression -> Linear Regression
2. Choose your Dependent (y) variable and Independent variable(s) (x). In our example, dependent variable: weight, independent variable: height
3. OK:  In the Output window you will see the Regression model you fitted

If you have categorical variables and want to test their effect on inside a regression model: Analyze -> General Linear Model -> Univariate

• Help Tab:
  • Topics: general help page on the SPSS website
  • Documentation in PDF format: PDF documents from the IBM website
  • Command Syntax Reference: IBM provided syntax guide