ABSTRACT
Measurement in the social sciences is a procedure whereby information is gathered from a number of indicators in the form of a single score. If data in a numerical form it is possible to find patterns such as identifying the central tendency. Two other statistical techniques that are important for social science researchers are variance and standard deviation. Index measurement takes place when the categories of a measurement scale do not allow exact reconstruction of reality. Composite measurement is assumed to provide more valid data because it gives a more complete picture of the variables the researchers are measuring. Scientific parsimony is a basic principle in science that can apply to the research. The Statistical Package for the Social Scientist (SPSS) is ideal for researchers who do not fully understand the formulae they are using, how to complete the calculations or interpret the meaning or significance of their calculations. This chapter focuses on SPSS which are suitable for all social science researchers.
