Statistics / Data Analysis: Survey Data And Likert Scales – A Comprehensive SPSS Guide

November 2019

Are you looking to master the art of processing survey data and Likert scales using SPSS? This comprehensive course, “Statistics / Data Analysis: Survey Data and Likert Scales,” was created by an award-winning university instructor and is designed to give you a clear, step-by-step understanding of how to enter, manage, and analyze survey data efficiently. Below, you will discover exactly what this course covers, why it matters for professionals and researchers, and how it can help you gain valuable expertise in SPSS data processing.

Why Survey Data And Likert Scales Matter In Statistics / Data Analysis

Understanding Likert Scales

Likert scales are widely used in surveys to measure attitudes, opinions, and behaviors. They provide nuanced insights by capturing the intensity of respondents’ perspectives. Proper handling of Likert scale data in SPSS is crucial to ensure accurate interpretations and reliable outcomes.

The Role of SPSS in Analyzing Survey Data

SPSS is a powerful statistical software package widely adopted by researchers, students, and professionals. From entering questionnaire data to calculating composite scores and running advanced statistical analyses, SPSS provides a broad suite of tools that streamline the entire survey data analysis process. When combined with robust knowledge of Likert scale techniques, you’ll gain the confidence to make data-driven decisions and produce reliable research findings.

Course Overview: Key SPSS Techniques For Survey Data

Creating and Managing Variables in SPSS

• Learn how to create variables, define variable types, and enter value labels.
• Discover time-saving methods to manage multiple variables at once, including inserting new variables and handling missing data.

Identifying and Correcting Data Entry Errors

• Use statistical analyses such as frequencies, descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation), and correlations to detect anomalies.
• Gain practical strategies to quickly pinpoint outliers or inconsistencies in your dataset.

Recoding Likert Items

• Master the process of reverse-coding negatively worded Likert scale items in SPSS.
• Understand how to transform raw survey responses into meaningful scores.

Computing Composite (Total) Scores

• Combine individual Likert items into total or composite scores to simplify analysis and interpretation.
• Apply SPSS syntax effectively to automate recurring tasks.

Reliability Analyses of Likert Scales

• Conduct coefficient alpha (Cronbach’s alpha) to assess the internal consistency of your Likert scales.
• Interpret reliability coefficients to validate the robustness of your survey instruments.

Additional Database Management Skills in SPSS

• Familiarize yourself with efficient SPSS database management techniques, including handling missing values and bulk editing labels.
• Explore best practices for true/false (dichotomous) data scoring and recoding.

What You Will Learn: Detailed Course Highlights

By enrolling in “Statistics / Data Analysis: Survey Data and Likert Scales,” you will:

• How to enter questionnaire data for qualitative and quantitative variables in SPSS
• How to reverse code negatively-worded Likert scale items
• How to create composite (total) scores in SPSS
• How to conduct reliability analyses (coefficient alpha) in SPSS
• How to use statistical analysis to detect data entry errors
• How to use SPSS syntax to quickly and efficiently analyze data
• How to score/recode true/false (dichotomous) data in SPSS
• How to create professional looking Likert scales in Microsoft Word
• Learn SPSS database management skills, including inserting variables and cases, recoding variables, applying value labels to several variables at once, handling missing values in SPSS, and more
• Learn how to conduct statistical analyses in SPSS, including frequencies, descriptives, correlation, and more. (The primary focus of this course is on questionnaire/survey data and Likert scales; for a more detailed look at data analysisin SPSS, our courses descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS courses are recommended)

This course is perfect for professionals looking to increase the data processing skills in SPSS, for those working on survey research, and for students working on theses or dissertations (or other research projects).

Who Should Enroll In This Course?

Researchers and Academics

Anyone conducting scientific or academic research that involves survey data will gain valuable insights into managing, analyzing, and interpreting data. Ensuring your research outcomes are both robust and credible becomes simpler and more straightforward with SPSS proficiency.

Market Researchers

If you regularly measure consumer behavior, preferences, or customer satisfaction, mastering Likert scale analysis in SPSS is essential. This course helps you translate survey responses into actionable insights that drive informed business decisions.

Students and Educators

Graduate students working on theses, dissertations, or other projects involving survey data will find step-by-step guidance indispensable. Educators can also adopt these methods to enhance their courses in research methods or statistics.

HR Professionals

Use SPSS to analyze employee engagement, job satisfaction, or organizational climate. This course will teach you how to capture and interpret feedback accurately, allowing you to recommend meaningful improvements in the workplace.

Conclusion

“Statistics / Data Analysis: Survey Data and Likert Scales” is an essential resource for anyone aiming to master SPSS for survey data management. From properly handling and coding Likert items to performing reliability assessments and creating composite scores, this course delivers a comprehensive toolkit for both novice and experienced data analysts. Whether you are a researcher, student, HR professional, or market analyst, the practical knowledge you gain here will enable you to conduct thorough and reliable data analysis with confidence.

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