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The coefficient of variation is a statistical measure used to assess the variability or dispersion of a dataset relative to its mean. In SPSS, the coefficient of variation can be calculated by dividing the standard deviation of a variable by its mean, and then multiplying the result by 100. This method provides a standardized measure of variation, making it useful for comparing datasets with different scales or units of measurement. The resulting coefficient of variation can range from 0% to infinity, with a lower value indicating a more homogeneous dataset and a higher value indicating a more diverse dataset. In SPSS, this calculation can be easily performed using the “Descriptives” function in the “Analyze” menu.
Calculate the Coefficient of Variation in SPSS
The coefficient of variation is a way to measure how spread out values are in a dataset relative to the mean. It is calculated as:
Coefficient of variation = σ / μ
where:
σ = standard deviation of dataset
μ = mean of dataset
This tutorial explains how to calculate the coefficient of variation for a dataset in SPSS
Example: Coefficient of Variation in SPSS
Suppose we have the following dataset that displays the annual income (in thousands) for 15 individuals:
Use the following steps to calculate the coefficient of variation for this dataset in SPSS:
Step 1: Create a column of 1’s.
First, we need to create a column of all 1’s next to the original dataset:
Step 2: Calculate the coefficient of variation.
Next, click the Analyze tab, then Descriptive Statistics, then Ratio:
In the new window that pops up, drag the variable income into the box labelled Numerator and drag the variable one into the box labelled Denominator:
Next, click Statistics. Make sure the boxes are checked next to Mean, Standard deviation, and Mean Centered COV. Then click Continue.
Lastly, click OK.
Step 3: Interpret the coefficient of variation.
Once you click OK, the coefficient of variation for this dataset will be displayed:
We can see that the coefficient of variation for this dataset is 49.3%. This was calculated using the following formula:
CV = σ / μ * 100 = (29.060/58.933) * 100 = 49.3%.