Course Project: Applied Statistical Computing Using SPSS
and MINITAB
Project Purpose
This project assesses students’ ability to apply statistical computing skills to a real dataset using
SPSS (and basic MINITAB), perform appropriate analyses, interpret results correctly, and
communicate findings clearly in written and oral form.
The project integrates data management, descriptive analysis, inferential statistics, regression, and
reporting, reflecting how statistics is used in practice.
Project Scenario
Students are assigned a realistic applied research problem. Each student (or group of up to 3
students) will work with a dataset related to education, health, agriculture, or social sciences.
Example context (students may choose one):
• Factors affecting students’ academic performance
• Determinants of household income
• Health outcomes before and after intervention
• Customer satisfaction and service quality
The dataset must contain:
• At least 30 observations
• Both categorical and numerical variables
• At least one grouping variable
• At least one continuous outcome variable
Project Tasks and Requirements
Part 1: Introduction and Data Description
• Clearly state the research problem and objectives
• Describe the source of data (survey, secondary data, simulated data)
• Import the dataset into SPSS
• Correctly define variables (labels, value labels, missing values, measurement levels)
• Briefly explain the variables used in the analysis
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Deliverable:
Short written introduction (1–2 pages)
Part 2: Data Management Using SPSS
Students must demonstrate at least three of the following:
• Create a new variable using Compute
• Recode a variable into categories
• Select cases based on a condition
• Sort data by one or more variables
• Merge files or add variables (if applicable)
Students should explain why each operation was done.
Part 3: Exploratory Data Analysis
Produce frequency tables for categorical variables
• Compute descriptive statistics (mean, median, SD, range)
• Produce at least three appropriate graphs
• Comment on distribution shape and variability
• Edit and format SPSS output clearly
Part 4: Inferential Analysis
Students must perform at least two of the following, based on data suitability:
• One-sample, independent, or paired t-test
• One-way ANOVA
• Chi-square test
• Wilcoxon, Sign test, or Kruskal–Wallis test
Students must:
• Justify test selection
• State hypotheses
• Report test statistics and p-values
• Interpret results in context
Deliverable:
Clear results section written in paragraph form
Part 5: Correlation and Regression
Students must:
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• Compute correlation (Pearson or Spearman)
• Fit at least one regression model
• Interpret coefficients
• Check basic regression diagnostics
• Comment on model usefulness and limitations
Part 6: Use of MINITAB
Students must:
• Import the same dataset into MINITAB
• Produce at least two graphs or analyses
• Briefly compare SPSS and MINITAB outputs
Part 7: Writing and Reporting Results
Students must submit:
• A structured report (Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results, Conclusion)
• Proper tables and figures
• Clear, non-technical interpretations
• One oral presentation (10–15 minutes)
Assessment Breakdown
• Data preparation & management: 5%
• Descriptive analysis & visualization: 5%
• Inferential & non-parametric analysis: 10%
• Regression analysis: 10%
• Report writing & interpretation: 10%
• Presentation: 5%
Expected Learning Outcomes Demonstrated
By completing this project, students will:
• Demonstrate competent use of SPSS
• Enter, manage, and analyze data
• Interpret statistical results correctly
• Write and present statistical findings clearly
• Use MINITAB for basic analysis
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Project Scenarios for Statistical Computing I
1. Academic Performance and Study Habits
A university wants to understand factors affecting students’ academic performance.
Possible Variables
• Gender (Male/Female)
• Study hours per week
• Class attendance (%)
• Department
• GPA or final exam score
Analyses Students Can Perform
• Descriptive statistics of GPA
• Independent t-test (GPA by gender)
• One-way ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis (GPA by department)
• Correlation between study hours and GPA
• Simple or multiple regression predicting GPA
2. Impact of Training on Employee Productivity
An organization evaluates whether a short training program improves productivity.
Possible Variables
• Employee ID
• Productivity score before training
• Productivity score after training
• Department
• Years of experience
Analyses
• Paired t-test or Wilcoxon Signed Rank test
• Descriptive comparison before and after training
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• Correlation between experience and productivity change
3. Household Income and Socio-Economic Factors
A survey studies income variation across households.
Possible Variables
• Household size
• Education level
• Employment status
• Monthly income
• Urban/Rural residence
Analyses
• Frequency tables for socio-economic variables
• Independent t-test or Mann–Whitney test
• Chi-square test for association
• Regression analysis predicting income
4. Patient Satisfaction with Health Services
A health center assesses patient satisfaction levels.
Possible Variables
• Gender
• Age group
• Waiting time
• Satisfaction score (Likert scale)
• Type of service received
Analyses
• Descriptive statistics and graphs
• Chi-square test (satisfaction category vs service type)
• Kruskal–Wallis test (satisfaction by service unit)
• Correlation between waiting time and satisfaction
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5. Teaching Method and Student Learning Outcome
An instructor compares different teaching methods.
Possible Variables
• Teaching method (Lecture, Blended, Online)
• Pre-test score
• Post-test score
• Gender
• Attendance rate
Analyses
• Paired t-test or Sign/Wilcoxon test
• One-way ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis test
• Regression predicting post-test score
6. Customer Satisfaction and Service Quality
A company evaluates customer satisfaction.
Possible Variables
• Age group
• Service type
• Waiting time
• Satisfaction score
• Likelihood of return
Analyses
• Frequency tables and bar charts
• Chi-square test of independence
• Correlation between waiting time and satisfaction
• Regression predicting satisfaction
7. Agricultural Yield and Input Factors
An agricultural study examines crop yield.
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Possible Variables
• Fertilizer type
• Rainfall amount
• Farm size
• Yield per hectare
Analyses
• Descriptive statistics
• One-way ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis
• Correlation and regression analysis
8. Physical Activity and Health Indicators
Context
A health survey studies physical activity and health.
Possible Variables
• Exercise frequency
• BMI
• Blood pressure
• Age group
• Gender
Analyses
• Descriptive analysis
• Independent t-test
• Correlation and regression
9. Internet Usage and Academic Behavior
Context
A study investigates internet usage patterns among students.
Possible Variables
• Hours spent online
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• Purpose of internet use
• GPA
• Gender
• Year of study
Analyses
• Chi-square test
• Correlation
• Regression analysis
10. Job Satisfaction and Work Environment
Context
An organization studies employee job satisfaction.
Possible Variables
• Salary level
• Years of service
• Workload rating
• Job satisfaction score
Analyses
• Descriptive statistics
• Kruskal–Wallis test
• Correlation and regression
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