Week 3 – Assignment: Analyze Numerical Summaries of Data Using Excel and SPSS


 

 

Instructions

In this week’s assignment, you will answer the following questions using both Excel and SPSS software. Results from these programs should be copied and pasted into a Word document for submission.

For Questions 1 and 2 you will need to input the data provided below into both Excel and SPSS. For Questions 3 and 4 you will use the dataset files provided in the resources for this week (Descriptive statistics, n.d.-a, n.d.-b).

1. Suppose that a quality assurance manager took a random sample from a thread-cutting machine. The sample consisted of 18 bolts and the manager tested their tensile strengths. Results from the sample, in tons of force required for breakage, are given below:

2.20          1.95          2.15          2.08          1.85          1.92

2.23          2.19          1.98          2.07          2.24          2.31

1.96          2.30          2.27          1.89          2.01          1.93

a. Use Excel to calculate the mean, median, and standard deviation for these data.

b. Use SPSS to calculate the mean, median, and standard deviation for these data.

c. Use SPSS to create a histogram of these data.

d. Interpret these results and explain any differences you find between the two software tools (Hint. The results should be identical).

2. A manager of a food manufacturing company wants to estimate the percentage of fat in one of its salad dressings. A sample of 20 bottles was taken and the results are given below.

15.88        19.88        21.16        20.37        22.77        20.65

18.60        18.91        21.77        21.64        18.62        18.41

20.15        17.07        19.91        21.07        16.49        21.21

17.98        20.22

a. Use Excel to calculate the mean, median, and standard deviation for these data.

b. Use SPSS to calculate the mean, median, and standard deviation for these data.

c. Use SPSS to create a histogram of these data.

d. Interpret these results and explain whether or not it is honest for the manufacturer to state that the fat content is 20%? Explain your answer.

3. A manager is worried that her employees are not engaged at work. She finds an employee engagement survey and administers it to her workers. The individual scores are provided in the dataset file.

a. Use Excel to calculate the mean, median, and standard deviation for the employee engagement data.

b. Use SPSS to calculate the mean, median, and standard deviation for the employee engagement data.

c. Use SPSS to create a histogram of these data.

d. Next, conduct an analysis of the “age” and “gender” variables using the appropriate measures of central tendency and dispersion. Use SPSS only. Also, create an appropriate graphic for each variable.

d. Interpret the results for employee engagement, age, and gender. Identify what you believe the next step should be in this analysis.

4. A shop supervisor wants to understand his workers better. He hires a consultant who tells him that he should ask employees questions related to their lives if they feel comfortable answering these questions. Please use SPSS to analyze the following variables, create appropriate figures and charts, and explain the results of each variable. Do not compare the variables in this assignment.

a. Age

b. Model of car

c. Rent or own their home

d. Hobbies

e. How happy they are (on a five-point scale)

Length: 4 to 6 pages

References: Include a minimum of 3 resources (two of these will be Excel and SPSS).

Your assignment should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts presented in the course and provide new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA standards. Be sure to adhere to Northcentral University’s Academic Integrity Policy.