Hi there,

I'd like to learn how to analyze ranking question data in SPSS and do cross tab analysis. For example,

Which of the following are the best parts of your job? Please rank up to three features.

There are 10 answers to choose from (compensation, hours, co-workers, etc.)

I want to do cross tab analysis by different population groups (e.g. gender, age, etc)

Additionally, is there a way to do this in Custom Tables?

Thank you, Jessica

This is a multiple response set situation. Go to Analyze > Tables > Multiple Response Sets to define the set. Then you can use this set in Custom Tables. It will appear with a different icon from the regular variables. Custom Tables provides for a variety of statistics appropriate for such sets. You can use nested or crossed variables with them. MR sets can be defined by dichotomies, which I think you have, or categories.

Hi Jessica,

You can definitely analyze ranking question data in SPSS and do cross-tab analysis by population groups like gender or age. Here's a step-by-step approach:

1. Prepare your data: For ranking questions (e.g., ranking up to 3 job features), it's best to have each option as a separate variable, coded with the rank assigned by the respondent. For example:

   • Compensation_Rank = 1, 2, 3 (or blank if not selected)

   • Hours_Rank, CoWorkers_Rank, etc.

2. Using Cross Tabs:

   • Go to Analyze > Descriptive Statistics > Crosstabs.

   • Put your demographic variable (like Gender) in the Rows and the ranked item in Columns.

   • You can use Count as the statistic to see how many respondents ranked each option at each position.

3. Using Custom Tables (optional):

   • If you have SPSS Custom Tables, you can create a table with demographics as row variables and each ranking as a column.

   • You can also display percentages or average ranks to get a better comparison across groups.

This method will help you see which job features are most valued by different groups.

For a more detailed guide with screenshots on analyzing ranking questions and creating cross-tab and Custom Tables in SPSS, you can check out this reference: SPSS Ranking & Cross-Tab Analysis Guide.

Hope this helps