Biostatistics Tutorials
The medical field just like any other discipline relies on statistical data to illustrate the association between two or multiple variables. Central to the determination of such relationship is computer programs such as Microsoft Excel and Statistical Packages of Social Sciences (SPSS). Both come with their advantages, though SPSS is more equipped than Excel. Despite their capability to serve the same purpose, of interest to this discussion is SPSS. It is a more sophisticated form of a program that may require tutorials to outline the steps to follow. Of essence, therefore, in this discussion is the analysis of SPSS tutorials effectiveness in equipping one with skills of handling the program.
To begin with, identification of SPSS tutorials is essential in forging an understanding of its operation. Such tools are available in many globally accessible websites. The Institute for Digital Research Education (IDRE) website is a befitting example. On this internet platform, one can access definitive information regarding which type of statistical analyses suits his/her purpose best(Leeper, 2016).
Additionally, another website is the one that belongs to Kent State University. Unlike the internet site mentioned above, its tutorial offers insight of all steps involved in data analysis. Thus, it is a more user-friendly as it provides one with a learning opportunity of getting the basics of the program(“Home – SPSS Tutorials – LibGuides at Kent State University,” n.d.).
Lastly, another important website that details one with such critical information is the London School of Economics. It is similar to the Kent State University’s website since it also possesses details of how to use SPSS from the beginning to the end(“SPSS tutorial contents – SPSS tutorials – Software tutorials – Department of Methodology – Home”, 2016). Clearly, all these sites are proof enough that a wide range of tutorials exists for utilization by all healthcare professionals seeking to venture into statistics.
That notwithstanding, there are individual components that one needs to assess upon identifying a tutorial. Firstly, an individual should check whether the content in these tools is relevant in matching his/her requirements. The tool must explain all the tests that SPSS can provide for an individual as he/she manipulates and analyze his/her data. Thus, the content should be exhaustive to enhance one’s skills to utilize the program. Besides, checking for illustrations of how each SPSS component works is also of the essence. Armed with such information, an individual can easily use this program without attending a class. Finally, one should also evaluate for the practicability focus of a tutorial in addressing the variables in a question. For instance, the tutorial must ensure that the directions on offer explicitly guarantee a researcher whatever he/she aims in an individual issue.
Lastly, the identified SPSS tools afford certain strengths and weaknesses that are noteworthy. As an instrument for enhancing an individual’s prowess in using SPSS, the tutorials are simple to understand. Such is the case given their reliance to illustrate how one can use the SPSS. Additionally, they afford a high level of User-friendliness as they consider explaining using a systematic approach. On the contrary, the tutorials have the weakness of generalizing that everybody understands the different statistical terms. Such a generalization limits their use to only people with the knowledge of statistics. Despite this challenge, the fact is that tutorials are helpful in enhancing the reliability of this statistical software.
In conclusion, the SPSS tutorials are critical media that forge an understanding about this software. Thus, researchers need to rely solely on them to increase their capability in using the program. However, caution is necessary whenever one finds difficulty in relating the issues presented in these tutorials.
REFERENCES
Home – SPSS Tutorials – LibGuides at Kent State University.(n.d.). Retrieved from http://libguides.library.kent.edu/SPSS
Leeper, J. (2016). Choosing the Correct Statistical Test in SPSS.Ats.ucla.edu. Retrieved 29 September 2016, from http://www.ats.ucla.edu/stat/spss/whatstat/
SPSS tutorial contents – SPSS tutorials – Software tutorials – Department of Methodology – Home. (2016). Lse.ac.uk. Retrieved 29 September 2016, from http://www.lse.ac.uk/methodology/tutorials/SPSS/home.aspx
