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IBM SPSS Statistics - Well Worth the Price of Admission
November 18, 2023

IBM SPSS Statistics - Well Worth the Price of Admission

Paul White | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Modules Used

  • IBM SPSS Statistics

Overall Satisfaction with IBM SPSS Statistics

At our institution we use IBM SPSS Statistics to support classroom learning and for insights and data analysis that support administrative decision making. In the classroom we use IBM SPSS Statistics in courses as varied as MAT 221 Probability and Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences and a variety of applied research classes within the psychology department. In addition, IBM SPSS Statistics is used frequently to support complex data analysis for both undergraduate honors and graduate business courses and research.
  • Multivariate statistical analysis
  • Cross tab analysis using non-parametric tests of significance
  • Data analysis leading to data conversion and data cleaning
  • I've found some of the features do not change in functionality from version to version, but where to find those features does change from version to version.
  • Overly complex dialog boxes can make analysis cumbersome in my opinion.
  • The lack of the ability to turn on a real-world statistical coach can be problematic for less experienced users who don't understand the subtle differences between tests of significance or when to choose what analysis.
Other than preparing students for the world of work or for advanced studies where something IBM SPSS Statistics will be needed, handling complex data analysis to support administrative decisions is the primary area where IBM SPSS Statistics shines. For example, the ability to conduct with ease gap analysis is significant. Although this is possible within a spreadsheet like Excel, IBM SPSS Statistics makes this process simple. The ability to export tables and graphs is into Microsoft Word is really helpful.
Because of the insights available through IBM SPSS Statistics and because of its ability to present those insights in a meaningful manner for a lay audience (when it comes to statistics), we have been able to focus our efforts on those things that students value most highly yet have the least satisfaction with instead of focusing on things we have been doing well, but students do not care about.
IBM SPSS Statistics beats the pants off of Minitab in every area except cost. Minitab has far cheaper entry-level costs, but the software is much more limited. With the versions of Minitab I have used, importing mapping data is a non-starter. With IBM SPSS Statistics, once the few basic steps of locating and importing a map file are complete, a simple dialog box yields attractive maps that present data in a geographic context.
IBM SPSS Statistics absolutely rocks at complex analysis. When data need to be converted, or new variables created based on a calculation between variables, or results saved for individual tests, IBM SPSS Statistics really can't be beaten. In my opinion, where IBM SPSS Statistics falls down a bit is that its mainframe roots show through at times in some of the dialogue boxes. If one has been using the product since its mainframe days, this is no big barrier. If one is a brand new user with no mainframe experience, this can be a bit of a steep learning curve.