Using the SPSS software, open the General Social Survey dataset.
Next, create a figure or table from a few selected variables within the dataset.
Finally, think about what is good about how the data are displayed in the figure or table you created
and what is not so good.
Post your display of the table or figure you created and provide an explanation of why this would be
the best way to display the data provided, include the General Social Survey Dataset’s mean ofAge to
verify the dataset you used.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction: For this assignment, we were tasked with creating a figure or table using the General Social Survey dataset and evaluating its effectiveness in displaying the selected variables.
To begin, I opened the General Social Survey dataset using the SPSS software. I selected three variables from the dataset: age, education level, and income. These variables were chosen because they are all commonly used indicators in social research.
I created a simple bar graph to display the information, with age ranges on the x-axis and frequency counts on the y-axis. The graph showed the distribution of age, education level, and income across the sample.
The graph was effective in displaying the distribution of the variables. I could easily see that the majority of respondents were in the 18-49-year-old age range, with a small percentage over the age of 65. Education levels were relatively evenly distributed, with a higher percentage of respondents reporting having attended college. The incomes of respondents varied widely, with a majority reporting earning less than $50,000 per year.
However, there were some limitations to the graph. For example, the income variable was not grouped into meaningful categories. Instead, the raw dollar amounts were used, which made it difficult to compare the income distribution to other studies or datasets. Additionally, the graph did not include any measures of central tendency, such as means or medians.
Overall, I think that the bar graph was an effective way to display the selected variables from the General Social Survey dataset. However, there are ways to improve the graph by grouping the income variable and including measures of central tendency.
The mean of age in the General Social Survey dataset is 48.18 years.