Some exciting features just landed in IBM SPSS Statistics and they are going to change the way you do statistical analysis.
The latest release of IBM SPSS Statistics, Version 31.0.1.0, is now available. This release adds to the already-existing usability enhancements, and deeper analytical support and introduces power and intelligent features. Whether you're a data scientist, researcher, or analyst, this update is designed to simplify your workflow and make it more insightful.
This version brings along with it the following new features and a few enhancements:
- AI Output Assistant
- Boruta Feature Selection
- Curated help for T-Tests
- New shortcuts in Syntax editor
- JRE upgrades
AI Output Assistant: Ask AI About Your Results
If you have ever wished for an extra pair of eyes which can analyze your output in seconds, the AI Output Assistant is here to help.
The AI Output Assistant is powered by IBM watsonx.ai and lets you interact with your output using natural language questions—get explanations, insights, and more. You can even ask questions from various point of view based on your requirement.
How to access the feature?
Click Insert > AI Output Assistant
from the output viewer menu or your Workbook window, or right-click anywhere in the viewer and select AI Output Assistant.
Account setup
Use the Sign-up Assistant (a local HTML guide) to create or link your IBM watsonx account. Access it from the welcome dialog or via Edit Account > Sign-up Assistant
.
You have the option to use a trial account if you want to test this feature and then move to a paid account later.
This is a game-changer for users who want instant, customizable AI-powered insights without leaving the platform.
Boruta Feature Selection: Smarter Variable Filtering
This new procedure compares the importance of original variables with shadow attributes created by shuffling case values of original variables. With Boruta Feature Selection, you can:
- Remove less important variables
- Confirm more important ones
- Mark tentative variables for further analysis
How to access the feature?
Install the extension STATS_BORUTAFEATURES from the Extension Hub (Extensions > Extension Hub). Once installed, navigate to Analyze > Descriptive Statistics > Boruta Feature Selection
.
This is a great tool for removing noise and refining your models and ensuring only the most relevant features are used.
Curated Help for T-Tests: Quick Interpretations
Interpreting p-values in T-Tests is now made simple with Curated Help. The dynamic help system offers contextual interpretations of your output based on the color coding implemented in the T-Test table. The color code highlights the significant values under One-Sided p and Two-Sided p.
This is available for:
- One Sample T-Test
Analyze > Compare Means and Proportions > One-Sample T Test
- Independent Samples T-Test
Analyze > Compare Means and Proportions > Independent-Samples T Test
- Paired Samples T-Test
Analyze > Compare Means and Proportions > Paired-Samples T Test
This feature is perfect for everyone who wants to go beyond numbers and quickly identify an overview of their results.
New Shortcut Keys in Syntax Editor
Speed up your debugging with new shortcuts:
Action |
Windows/Linux |
macOS |
Go to next error |
Ctrl + E |
Command + E |
Go to previous error |
Ctrl + Shift + E |
Command + Shift + E |
JRE Upgrade
The underlying Java Runtime Environment (JRE) and Java Development Kit (JDK) have been upgraded to version 17.0.16, ensuring better performance and security.
Final Thoughts
Version 31.0.1.0 is all about intelligent assistance and enhanced user experience. Whether you're exploring new statistical methods or leveraging AI to interpret your results, this update empowers you to do more with your data.
You can read more about these new features in IBM Docs.