Chapter 2: Counting Frequencies

This chapter begins to explain how data can be analyzed using the basic statistical tools. The counting of frequencies should be the first step in data analysis for two reasons: (1) it enables you to screen the data for any irregularities, and (2) it allows you to group the data in percentages or some graphical format.

OVERVIEW

The data have been collected and entered into the computer, and now you are about to begin your analysis. Hopefully, this analysis will generate all the answers that you are seeking to explain.

Most experimenters begin their analysis by double-checking their data. Double-checking involves the actual counting of all entries by variable or anything else that has been coded. Fortunately, since you are analyzing your study with a statistical software package, you do not have to actually count anything. You can tell the computer to do it for you. Use the appropriate commands, and the answer will be in front of you before you know it. The FREQUENCIES command counts the number of times each of the codes occurs. You supply the names of the variables for which you want counts; everything else is done for you.