From the General Social Survey dataset,, use the SPSS
software and choose one continuous and one categorical variable. As you review, consider the implications for positive social change based on the results of your
data.
Post, present, and report a descriptive analysis for your variables, specifically noting the following:
For your continuous variable:
1. Report the mean, median, and mode.
2. What might be the better measure for central tendency? (i.e., mean, median, or mode) and why?
3. Report the standard deviation.
4. How variable are the data?
5. How would you describe this data?
6. What sort of research question would this variable help answer that might inform social change?
Post the following information for your categorical variable:
1. A frequency distribution.
2. An appropriate measure of variation.
3. How variable are the data?
4. How would you describe this data?
5. What sort of research question would this variable help answer that might inform social change?
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
In this assignment, we analyze the General Social Survey dataset using the SPSS software. We choose one continuous and one categorical variable to conduct a descriptive analysis. The results from this analysis will inform us about the central tendency, variability, and research questions that can further inform social change.
Answer:
For the continuous variable, we choose income. The descriptive analysis is as follows:
1. Mean – $51,939. Median – $43,000. Mode – Not applicable.
2. Median is a better measure of central tendency as it is not affected by outliers or extreme values.
3. Standard deviation – $50,736.35.
4. The data is very variable, with a wide range of incomes.
5. Income is positively skewed, meaning that most people have lower incomes than those at the higher end of the spectrum.
6. This data can help answer research questions such as the effect of income on social mobility and economic inequality and how interventions can reduce poverty.
For the categorical variable, we choose education level. The descriptive analysis is as follows:
1. A frequency distribution – High school diploma (25%), Some college (28%), Bachelor’s degree (24%), Graduate degree (23%).
2. An appropriate measure of variation – Range.
3. The data is moderately variable, with a range of education levels.
4. The majority of the population has some college education or a bachelor’s degree.
5. This data can help answer research questions about the relationship between education and social mobility and how educational interventions can improve social and economic outcomes.
