Assignment Overview
Please open the enclosed SPSS data file (Demographics). It contains demographic data for a sample of 820 employees.
Case Assignment
Based on the abovementioned dataset, write a paper addressing the following issues:
- What are the variables in the datasets and their levels of measurement?
- Are the “measure” and “role” filed in the SPSS file appropriately set? If not, explain how they should be set.
- Write a section on the properties of the sample, using typical descriptive statics, as appropriate (e.g., mean and standard deviation, median when appropriate, skewness and/or normality, frequencies, etc.). Use a format similar to the way descriptive statistics are reported in research papers. Cite the research paper or papers you relied on when constructing this section.
- Generate a scatterplot of income (on the y-axis) as a function of “years in the current job.” Is there an association between these two variables?
- Generate a distorted graph (any variable) and present it next to a non-distorted graph. Discuss the implication for writing and reading research.
- Using the variables in the dataset, please construct a theory which involves an IV, DV, a mediator and a moderator. You may add imaginary variables as you wish (e.g., a new variable which does not exist in the dataset as a moderator or a DV). Explain your theory.
Please organize your paper in a scholarly way. Add section titles when necessary. Explain your logic, and when appropriate, use external sources with proper citations. Conclude your report with a paragraph or so evaluating the entire exercise in terms of what you have learned and your reflections on the topic.
The paper is usually between 5 and 12 pages long.
Assignment Expectations
- Student is able to use basic features (basic analyses, descriptive statistics, variable definitions and graphs) in SPSS.
- Student is able to understand and construct appropriate graphs; and detect distortions.
- Student understands and is able to construct theories using IV, DV mediators, and moderators.
- Student answers the questions with clarity, depth, and critical thinking.
- Completeness and coherence: Chain of thought is easy to follow.
- Student uses relevant evidence and additional papers/resources to support the propositions.
- Student uses appropriate SPSS outputs.
- Paper is clearly written with appropriate format. Reference list is complete. Citation is properly done.
