IBM SPSS Statistics has long been a trusted tool for researchers, analysts, and business professionals across industries seeking to turn complex data into actionable insights. With the release of version 31, some new powerful features, extension procedures, and enhancements are introduced.
The product trial will now be offered for 14 days with access to all modules plus all new additions that are live now with version 31 release.
Visit here to know more about what’s new and exciting in version 31.
Click here to watch the on-demand version 31 release webinar where our expert panel has given a walkthrough of the new additions.
Native algorithms
Proximity Mapping
Proximity mapping is a game-changer for anyone working with spatial or relational data. This visualization technique can explore multivariate data and incorporates a variety of data in to a spatial representation. It transforms complex relational data in to two or three dimensional plots.
You can access Proximity Mapping by navigating to Analyze > Mapping > Proximity Mapping. The UI control for Proximity mapping offers custom configuration to get better interpretation of your data.
Proximity mapping has wider application in almost every field such as genomics and bioinformatics, education and psychometrics, retail and e-commerce, supply chain management, market research, anthropology and archaeology, and so on.
By visualizing the relationships through multidimensional scaling (MDS), businesses gain sharper customer segmentation, better market insights, and smarter operational decisions.
Distance Correlation
Traditional correlation methods like Pearson’s coefficient only capture linear associations. But real-world data is often complex, which makes it hard for the traditional methods to identify nonlinear dependencies. Distance Correlation is a versatile method that fills this gap by detecting any form of statistical dependence between variables.
Key applications of Distance Correlation may include identifying subtle risk factors in portfolio management that traditional metrics might miss, analyzing gene expressions or exploring complex behavioral patterns from survey or demographic data.
You can access Distance Correlation by navigating to Analyze > Correlate > Distance Correlation.
Extension procedures
Time Series Filters (TSF): Clear noise for better forecasting and monitoring
The new extension procedure added for time series filters (TSF) includes Hodrick-Prescott (HP), Baxter-King (BK), and Christiano-Fitzgerald (CF). They improve forecasting accuracy, anomaly detection, trend identification, and real-time monitoring by revealing underlying patterns and cycles. This leads to better decision-making and more reliable time series analysis.
You can access TSF by navigating to Analyze > Forecasting > Time Series Filters (TSF).
Conditional Inference Trees (CITREE): Smarter decision trees that avoid bias
Conditional inference trees use statistical tests to select split variables, reducing bias common in traditional decision trees. They ensure splits are statistically significant, improving model reliability. This approach also helps prevent overfitting, resulting in models that better generalize to new data and provide more accurate insights.
You can access CITREE by navigating to Analyze > Classify > Conditional Inference Tree.
STATS EARTH: Construct predictive models by fitting piecewise linear segments
STATS EARTH uses the MARS algorithm which is a powerful regression technique that enhances traditional regression analysis by automatically modeling complex and nonlinear relationships between variables.
You can access STATS EARTH by navigating to Analyze > Generalized Linear Models > Multiple Adaptive Regression Splines.
New features and enhancements focusing on usability
Curated Help
Curated Help also known as Smart Output aims to improve result interpretation by providing summary of findings in a procedure. Color-coding is enabled so that you can quickly identify the key values in your output tables. In version 31, you can make use of this new features in all Correlations procedures.
Enhanced Existing Features
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Feature
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What’s New in version 31?
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Previous versions
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Chi Square Test
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Added direct menu option and new syntax command (CHISQUARE INDEPENDENCE) simplifying access.
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Required to run separate procedures to view the test results for Chi Square procedure—less intuitive workflow.
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Independent-Samples T-Test
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An optional control is added in the UI for Levene's test on homogeneity of variance. With this option, you can obtain the results for homegeneity of variance in a separate table.
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Users had to run separate procedures or tests manually for homogeneity of variance checks before interpreting T-test results fully.
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Coefficient of Variation (CV)
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CV is now added as an option in Frequencies and Descriptives procedures with consistent labeling across existing procedures and command syntax.
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Labeling of CV was inconsistent across procedures or unavailable.
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Usability and Interface Enhancements
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Feature
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What’s New in version 31?
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Previous versions
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Dark Mode
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Dark mode now applies consistently across table headers, toolbar icons, charts, tabs enhancing visual comfort during long sessions.
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Earlier dark mode support was partial/inconsistent causing readability issues especially on charts/tables.
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Capability to search Design of Experiments (DOE)
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Search DOE-related procedures directly from the application search bar in Dataview.
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Users need to manually search for each DOE procedure from the menu
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Option to display only correlation values in Correlations tables
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A script is available to remove Sig and N rows, showing only correlation values in Correlations table.
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Correlation procedure displayed Sig and N rows even if users didn’t opt it
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Customizing Excel import
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Option to choose whether variable names come from first row of file or defined range. Invalid names are converted to valid names with original names as labels.
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Limited options to customize excel import
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Create output themes
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Users can save preferred styles for pivot tables, charts, and viewer output into reusable themes.
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Users have to apply preferred styles individually to their output charts or pivot tables. Option to save and reuse themes is unavailable.
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Charts support background images
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Add customizable background images to charts and export them in supported formats
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Users only had the option of adding background colors
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Mandatory Fields now get highlighted in Power Analysis, Meta Analysis and Reports
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Users are notified when a required field is incomplete before they paste syntax or try to run the procedure. The mandatory field is highlighted in red. For version 31, this enhancement is visible in Power Analysis, Meta Analysis, and Reports.
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Mandatory fields are not highlighted.
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Beyond these features, SPSS Statistics 31 also offers:
- Integrated Cognos Analytical server with IBM SPSS Statistics
- Redesigned the Activate IBM SPSS Statistics dialog
- Option to discover unlicensed features
- Python and Java Upgrade
IBM SPSS Statistics 31 delivers finest tools that address today’s most challenging analytical needs and beyond to extract deeper insights effortlessly while enjoying an improved user experience.
Dive into IBM SPSS Statistics 31 today. Read more about the new features in IBM Docs.