Examine Statistics in IBM SPSS Modeler

To improve your experience using IBM SPSS Modeler, the Version 1 SPSS experts have created various Tech Tips. This Tech Tip shows how to examine statistics in IBM SPSS Modeler. 

IBM SPSS Modeler is an extensive predictive analytics platform designed to bring predictive intelligence to decisions made by individuals, groups, systems, and the enterprise. Modeler has an easy-to-use drag-and-drop user interface with a complete set of tools for accessing data, data examination, preparation, modelling, evaluation, and deployment. 

IBM SPSS Modeler users have a complete toolset to build predictive models from start to finish. Modeler uses node-based, visual programming. Users pick nodes from palettes and place them on the stream canvas. Once nodes have been placed on the stream canvas and edited, they can be linked to form a stream. A stream represents a flow of data through several operations (nodes) to a destination that can be in the form of output (either text or chart), a model, or the export of data to another format (e.g., a database). 

Part of the model-building process involves testing variable relationships. IBM SPSS Modeler provides the Statistics, Matrix and Means node to examine variable relationships. The Statistics node allows users to run statistics on variables. The Statistics node is located on the Output palette. 

Sometimes, you want to examine variable relationships between a few variables. For example, you want to run multiple regression, but you want to examine the correlations between variables. The Statistics node makes this quick and easy. To obtain Statistics, go to the Output palette. Select the Statistics node and drag it onto the stream canvas. You can also double-click the node to drop it onto the stream canvas.

Once it is on the canvas, you can connect it to your stream. Double-click to open the node. Use the field chooser button to select the fields you want to Examine. Tick the desired statistics. To examine correlations, move the variables to the Correlate box. Click Run. Now, you can examine statistics and correlations. The Statistics nodes offer two settings for correlations. When selecting variables to correlate, users can click on the Correlation Settings button. This provides options to Define correlation strength by importance (1-p) or Define correlation strength by absolute value.