An Introduction to Secondary Data Analysis with IBM SPSS Statistics

John MacInnes takes the fear out of statistics for students, and helps to raise the standards of their quantitative methods skills, by clearly and accessibly introducing all that s needed to know about using secondary data and working with IBM SPSS Statistics.

Many professional, high-quality surveys collect data on people's behaviour, experiences, lifestyles and attitudes. The data they produce is more accessible than ever before. This book provides students with a comprehensive introduction to using this data, as well as transactional data and big data sources, in their own research projects. Here you will find all you need to know about locating, accessing, preparing and analysing secondary data, along with step-by-step instructions for using IBM SPSS Statistics.

You will learn how to:

• Create a robust research question and design that suits secondary analysis
• Locate, access and explore data online
• Understand data documentation
• Check and 'clean' secondary data
• Manage and analyse your data to produce meaningful results
• Replicate analyses of data in published articles and books

Using case studies and video animations to illustrate each step of your research, this book provides you with the quantitative analysis skills you'll need to pass your course, complete your research project and compete in the job market. Exercises throughout the book and on the book's companion website give you an opportunity to practice, check your understanding and work hands on with real data as you're learning.