Running T-Tests in SPSS

1. Independent Samples T-Test

A. Comparison of means test for two unique groups
B. Requires
i. Interval data
ii. 2 Variables
(1) 1 Variable represents the Test Variable within SPSS
st
(a) This is your dependent variable
(b) This is the variable for which a group mean will be calculated for both
defined groups
(2) 2 Variable is the grouping variable
nd
(a) This is the independent variable
(b) It is used to separate the cases into the 2 groups that will be compared
(c) It should be a variable with only 2 values
(i) Can be 1 or 2
(ii) Can also be a nominal variable recorded in text form (SPSS
refers to this as a string variable)
(3) The following data table demonstrates the proper format for data in SPSS
Dependent/Test
Variable
Independent/Grouping
Variable
4 1
5 1
6 1
6 2
7 2
8 2
C. Process for conducting the test
i. From the menu: Select Analyze Compare Means Independent- Samples T-Test
ii. Move dependent variable into the box labeled Test Variable
iii. Move the independent variable into the box labeled Grouping Variable
iv. Select the Define Groups box beneath the grouping variable
(1) Enter the value for the independent variable that identifies those cases in
group 1 in the first box
(2) Enter the value for the independent variable that identifies those cases in
group 2 in the second box
(3) ***Important note: the values entered in the boxes must be identical to those
recorded in the data set***
v. Select continue
vi. Select the options box at the lower right corner of the T-test menu
vii. Enter the appropriate level of confidence and select continue
viii. Select ok to run the test
D. Interpreting the output
i. The first output table provides the mean, standard deviation and standard error for
each group
ii. The second output table lists several pieces of information
(1) The value of t is provided in the 3 column of the table
h
(a) *Always use the top value for t (the one that assumes equal variances)
(2) The degrees of freedom are listed in the 4 column of the table labeled as
th
df
(3) Analyze the value listed for Sig. (2-tailed) in column 5 of the second table
(Again use the top value for Sig.) to determine level of confidence
(a) If the value reported is equal to or less than .05 (at the 95% level of
confidence) or .01 (at the 99% level of confidence), the difference
between group means is statistically significant and the null
hypothesis is rejected
(b) If the value reported is greater than .05 (at the 95% level of
confidence) or .01 (at the 99% level of confidence), the difference
between groups is not statistically significant and the null hypothesis
must be accepted
(4) If the null is rejected, compare means to determine which groups scores higher
than the other
(5) **Extraneous Information**
(a) The first 2 columns Provide data labeled Levenes Test for Equality
of Variances Ignore this information.
(b) The 2 Row is labeled equal variances not assumed Ignore
nd
(c) When producing output files, it is probably wise to delete these
portions of the output tables
2. Dependent Samples T-Test
A. Compares the same sample at two different points in time
B. Requires:
i. Interval data
ii. 2 variables Each variable represents one observation of the dependent variable
C. Process
i. From the menu: Select Analyze Compare Means Paired- Samples T-Test
ii. Select the two variables to be used for the test
iii. Move them into the box labeled Paired Variables
iv. Select options
v. Enter the appropriate level of significance and select continue
vi. Select OK
D. Interpreting the output
i. The first box provides the mean, standard deviation and standard error
ii. The third box provides the value for t, degrees of freedom, and the level of
significance
(1) These values are reported in the final 3 columns of the table
iii. Determining significance
(1) If the value reported is equal to or less than .05 (at the 95% level of
confidence) or .01 (at the 99% level of confidence), the difference between
group means is statistically significant and the null hypothesis is rejected
(2) If the value reported is greater than .05 (at the 95% level of confidence) or
.01 (at the 99% level of confidence), the difference between groups is not
statistically significant and the null hypothesis must be accepted