Select three variables from the ADVENTURES data set you downloaded from the companion website. You can look at the available variables by opening ADVENTURES.sav file in SPSS and browsing through the variable view, by looking at the codebook provided at the end of your textbook in Appendix A. (If you want to go beyond the textbook, you can use the GSS2018.sav data file, which has many more possibilities of variables to choose from.)
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You need to select all three variables from the same data set. One variable, and only one, should be a demographic variable (e.g., age, sex, race, income, education, marital status, religion). The other two variables should be non-demographic variables (e.g., how someone responded to abortion, voting, or health questions).
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You should have both continuous and discrete variables (see Chapter 2 for a definition of those terms).
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Ideally, include one variable for each level of measurement, nominal, ordinal, interval/ratio.
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When selecting your variables, think about a hypothesis that you could test with them by thinking about how the variables might be related or how a variable might influence another. This will help you produce a meaningful analysis. You are also encouraged to pick variables in which you are interested, maybe even a topic you explored in Module 1 or 2 practice exercises or one of your other sociology courses.
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Run the SPSS frequency procedures demonstrated in Chapter Five for each of your three variables.
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Remember the measure (i.e., nominal, ordinal, interval/ratio) of a variable impacts which measures of dispersion and central tendency you are supposed to report. You practiced this in Statistical Review in this module. Tables 5.1 and 5.2 in your textbook tell you which descriptive statistics are used for each level of measurement. When the measure of central tendency or dispersion is not applicable, write “Not applicable” in the cell.
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Recreate the table below in a Word file or download table and fill it out for the three variables that you have selected.
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Write a 400- to 600-word essay describing the information you have just found out for all the variables. Use Writing Box 5.1 in your textbook for an example of how to write it. Pay attention to the phrasing of the statements and the formatting of the numbers. You need to respect these conventions. Make sure to assess how each variable is distributed (Is it very dispersed or are the responses very concentrated?) and to provide analytical statements about the data.
For instance, Writing Box 5.1, last paragraph, states that “some respondents separate their spirituality from formal religious organizations” This sentence puts the data in perspective for the reader. You may want to engage in careful speculation to explain the patterns you see, but be careful that your speculations are supported with data.
You do need to include a header with your name, the date, and the assignment number. Use page numbering. You do not need to include a title page.
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. You can look at the available variables by opening ADVENTURES.sav file in SPSS and browsing through the variable view, by looking at the codebook provided at the end of your textbook in Appendix A. (If you want to go beyond the textbook, you can use the GSS2018.sav data file, which has many more possibilities of variables to choose from.)
and fill it out for the three variables that you have selected.
