CIEP 404 - Statistics for Behavioral Sciences
SPSS Assignment B

 


File Name: WEIGHT.SAV

Web Source: A Study of Weight

Problem: We have been studying a number rats during the last month. Our interest is to determine the best food choice combination for weight gain. In particular, we are interested in two different sources of protein: Beef vs. Cereal. In addition, we are interested in the concentration amount: Low vs. High. This study is a result of our work with the National Institute of Health - A preliminary study of Power Drink - High Protein Formula [no… just joking].
 


Crosstabulation
Protein Source by Protein Amount
Sample N
Protein
Source
  
Protein Amount
Beef
Cereal
Total
Low Amount
10
10
20
High Amount
10
10
20
Total
20
20
40

The Study: At the beginning of our work, we weigh each rat and record the weight. At the conclusion of one month of eating, we weigh the rats again and record their weight. We then subtract the difference to develop a single interval variable: weight gain.

The Question: Analyze the data in the following ways to judge which source of protein produces the best weight gain. Similarly, analyze the amount of protein to determine which level maximizes weight gain. Using SPSS, you will need to perform several different analyses [these problems are starting to get more complicated].

Analyze --> Descriptive Statistics --> Frequencies

Select the variables for Protein Source and Protein Amount without any statistics. These are nominal variables. Analyze --> Descriptive Statistics --> Descriptives Select weight gain with all of the statistics that you know and understand. Analyze --> Descriptive Statistics --> Explore
Choose "Plots" and select "boxplots" with
"factor levels together" Select Protein Amount and Protein Source as Factors Select weight gain as Dependent Variable The Results and Interpretation: You should select from among the above resulting displays and place those you choose within a "Results" section. For each resulting display, please make sure to prepare a short summary statement describing the display. The Interpretation should present your thoughts relative to what you think is happening.