All data processing occurs sequentially case-by-case through the file (dataset). Only two data types are defined: numeric and text (or 'string'). SPSS datasets have a two-dimensional table structure, where the rows typically represent cases (such as individuals or households) and the columns represent measurements (such as age, sex, or household income). SPSS Statistics places constraints on internal file structure, data types, data processing, and matching files, which together considerably simplify programming. (From Version 20 onwards, these two scripting facilities, as well as many scripts, are included on the installation media and are normally installed by default.)

From version 14 onwards, SPSS can be driven externally by a Python or a VB.NET program using supplied 'plug-ins'. In addition, the Python extension allows SPSS to run any of the statistics in the free software package R. The Python programmability extension, introduced in SPSS 14, replaced the less functional SAX Basic 'scripts' for most purposes, although SaxBasic remains available. A Python programmability extension can access the information in the data dictionary and data and dynamically build command syntax programs.

Programs can be run interactively or unattended, using the supplied Production Job Facility.Īdditionally a 'macro' language can be used to write command language subroutines. They can also be pasted into a syntax file using the 'paste' button present in each menu. The pull-down menu interface also generates command syntax: this can be displayed in the output, although the default settings have to be changed to make the syntax visible to the user. Additionally, some complex applications can only be programmed in syntax and are not accessible through the menu structure. Command syntax programming has the benefits of reproducible output, simplifying repetitive tasks, and handling complex data manipulations and analyses. The many features of SPSS Statistics are accessible via pull-down menus or can be programmed with a proprietary 4GL command syntax language. In addition to statistical analysis, data management (case selection, file reshaping, creating derived data) and data documentation (a metadata dictionary is stored in the datafile) are features of the base software. The original SPSS manual (Nie, Bent & Hull, 1970) has been described as one of 'sociology's most influential books' for allowing ordinary researchers to do their own statistical analysis. It is also used by market researchers, health researchers, survey companies, government, education researchers, marketing organizations, data miners, and others.

SPSS is a widely used program for statistical analysis in social science.

2.2 SCSS - Conversational / Columnar SPSS.

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