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SPSS H : C A IOMEWORK ORRELATION SSIGNMENT NSTRUCTIONS
OVERVIEW
This assignment is designed to increase your statistical literacy and proficiency in conducting
and interpreting the Pearson correlation coefficient. You will be completing two Pearson
correlation coefficient analyses in SPSS, using data that are related to specific research scenarios
in the behavioral sciences, such as psychology, social work, and counseling. Behind the scenes
knowledge of how this test is conducted is fundamental to being able to understand and apply
research in your related field to your practice. Additionally, SPSS skills are professionally
valuable, as it is one of the most commonly used statistical software packages in behavioral
science settings, both academic and professional.
INSTRUCTIONS
This assignment includes two problem sets that contain research scenarios and related
questions.
For each scenario, you will run an analysis in SPSS. The required product will include
the SPSS output, an APA-style Results section describing the results, and the appropriate
graph inserted as a Figure in APA style.
For all problems, interpret results based on an alpha level of = ..05
Please review the for directions Watch: SPSS Homework Tutorial: The Pearson Correlation
on how to run the statistical test, as well as the Watch: Results Sections for the Pearson
Correlation Coefficient Analysis in APA Style, which includes a template for completing the
APA-style Results sections for the Pearson correlation coefficient. The scenarios begin on the
next page.
TMT Score
(in
seconds)
MMSE Score
56 25
98 18
89 18
104 7
Page 1 of 6
Problem Set 1: Pearson Correlation Coefficient Analysis
Research Scenario: A neuropsychologist is examining the relationship between two
measures of cognitive functioning in a sample of 14 patients being assessed for dementia. One
is the Trail Making Test- Part A (TMT) (Reitan, 1958), which measures the time (in seconds)
it takes for patients to complete a connect-the-dots-style task. A longer time to complete the
task indicates more cognitive impairment. The other is the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE)
(Folstein et al., 1975), which assess a patient’s ability to perform common mental tasks.
Higher scores indicate better cognitive functioning. The scores are listed in the table below.
Using this table, enter the data into a new SPSS data file and run a Pearson correlation
coefficient analysis to test whether there is a relationship between scores on the TMT
and the MMSE in patients being assessed for dementia. Create a scatterplot to display
the relationship between the variables. Follow the directions below the table to complete
the homework.
87 15
145 12
64 28
