SPSS versus Microsoft Excel – Which is best for me?

Quantitative Methods
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January 20, 2012
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Daniel Smith
| Adjunct Faculty
| Grand Canyon University
Some common questions explained.

Doctoral learners often ask me if they can use Excel for their statistical studies. The answer is: probably not. While SPSS is NOT required for GCU doctoral learners who are considering a quantitative study, it is the software package that is recommended, and the one that I will be commenting on and supporting in my blogs and otherwise. After many years of teaching statistics to undergrads and graduates, I have found that there is indeed a learning curve associated with SPSS, but it is usually well worth the effort for students in the long-run.

Below is a table that compares some basic features between the two software packages.

Criterion

SPSS

Excel

T-tests

  • * Easy to set up analysis.
  • * Confidence levels customizable.
  • * Allows for labeling of groups.
  • * Paired and unpaired samples possible.
  • * Choice for equal and unequal variances assumed.
  • * Standardized and unstandardized coefficients.
  • * Allows user to change fonts of output.

N/A

Charts / Tables / Graphs

  • * Customizable charts/tables/graphs.
  • * Allows you to change the font to align with your dissertation and APA standards.
  • * Basic charts possible.
 

Regression analysis

  • * Easy to set up analysis, and allows for many options in regard to how regression is run.
  • * Allows user to change fonts of output.
  • * Basic regression tests possible.
 

Cost

  • * About $70 for SPSS Base Statistics for one year of student use.
  • * Minimal, as students usually already have it installed as part of MS Office.
 

Other analytical tests

  • * In addition to regression and t-tests, many other statistical tests are available.
  • * Very limited choices.
 

 

Daniel J. Smith, MA, MBA, PhD

480.861.8851 (cell)

[email protected]

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