Graphical representations of data are an important part of data analysis. In SPSS, there are various ways to visualize data, including bar charts, histograms, box plots, and scatter plots. In this post, I’ll show you how to create and interpret visualizations in SPSS.
Create bar charts
Bar charts are well suited to categorical data.
Steps:
- Go to Graphs → Chart Builder.
- Select Bar.
- Drag the variable for the x-axis into the corresponding field.
- If desired, add a grouping variable for the y-axis.
- Click OK – the chart will appear in the output window.
Alternatively:
- Go to Analyze → Descriptive Statistics → Frequencies, then select Bar chart under Charts.
Histograms for continuous data
Histograms help illustrate the distribution of metric variables.
Steps:
- Go to Graphs → Chart Builder.
- Select Histogram.
- Drag the variable for the x-axis into the corresponding field.
- Click OK.
Alternatively:
- Go to Analyze → Descriptive Statistics → Frequencies, then select Histogram under Charts.
Box plots for identifying outliers
Box plots are useful for identifying the distribution and possible outliers.
Steps:
- Go to Graphs → Chart Builder.
- Choose Boxplot.
- Drag the variable into the y-axis field.
- If desired, add a grouping variable for the x-axis.
- Click OK.
Scatterplots for Exploring Relationships
Scatterplots help visualize the relationship between two metric variables.
Steps:
- Go to Graphs → Chart Builder.
- Choose Scatterplot.
- Drag one variable into the x-axis field and another into the y-axis field.
- Click OK.
SPSS Syntax for Charts
If you prefer working with syntax, you can use the following commands:
Bar chart:
GRAPH /BAR(SIMPLE)=COUNT BY Variable.Histogram:
GRAPH /HISTOGRAM=Variable.Boxplot:
GRAPH /BOXPLOT=Variable BY Gruppe.Scatterplot:
GRAPH /SCATTERPLOT=Variable1 WITH Variable2.