Statistical Workshops

Statistical workshops are offered at two levels: introductory and intermediate:

Introductory level

Introduction to SPSS

The different types of SPSS files; basic layout of SPSS Graphical User interface; basic layout of SPSS syntax; emphasis on variable-attributes screen; emphasis on FREQUENCIES dialogue; Importing Excel spreadsheet and text files into SPSS; partial-correlation formula; Cross-tabulations; and some basic Graph functions. This workshop covers SPSS, the application, NOT mathematical statistical theory. Attendees should already have at least a basic understanding of statistical theory in order to comprehend several portions of this seminar.

Introduction to SAS

Overview of SAS layout/windows; Defining and creating an SAS Library; Importing an Excel spreadsheet into SAS; SAS statements DATA INFILE INPUT; Creating new SAS variables; row and column include/exclude commands; variable labels; date and currency definition options; PROC Statements for PRINT, MEANS, FREQ, and tables-options. This workshop covers SAS, the application, NOT mathematical statistical theory. Attendees should already have at least a basic understanding of statistical theory in order to comprehend several portions of this seminar.

Intermediate level

Linear (Multiple) Regression

A start-to-finish example of some of the various procedures and options for univariate screening of data prior to producing a multiple-regression model (e.g., addressing common confounds to producing models, decision-rules for addressing missing-data issues, formulas to partially-ameliorate issues arising from data Missing Completely At Rondom [MCAR], regression-selection methods [forward, backward, stepwise], diagnostic plots [such as "Cooks D"], detection of multicolinearity.

Data Management

Merging (additional columns or rows), Aggregation of rows by stipulated classifying variables, Index and Substring functions for working with alphabetical variables. (also other functions, which are as yet to be determined).

These seminars will take place after the Introductory-level seminar presentations. Students and staff wishing to attend the SPSS or SAS Intermediate level seminars need to already possess - at least - a basic understanding of the software. Because these intermediate seminars are new offerings, their contents are still works-in-progress. Therefore, final decisions regarding seminar content are still pending. 

If you are sure that you will attend one or both of these Intermediate-level seminars, you should check this webpage periodically for updates. Then, once you see dates posted on the page for Fall 2011 workshops, you should email: stats@uic.edu. for more information, or visit Instructional Technology Lab's Workshop pages at: Information on All ACCC Workshops to register and reserve your seat. 

All ACCC SPSS and SAS seminars will be held in labs SCE Room 408 (Student Center East) at 750 S. Halsted Street, and BGRC Room 105B (Benjamin Goldberg Research Center) at 1940 W. Taylor Street. All ACCC statistical applications workshops are free-of-charge to current UIC students, faculty, and staff. Attendees must be able to log into ACCC lab computers, and should be acquainted with Microsoft Windows Operating Systems.

Workshops for Classrooms and Departments

Instructors teaching classes that require students to use SPSS or SAS for their assignments or unit directors whose staff need to use SPSS or SAS for university business may request that the ACCC hold Introductory-level SPSS or SAS seminars within their classrooms or offices. To request an in-classroom introductory-level SPSS or SAS seminar, instructors (or unit directors) should contact the ACCC's statistical consultants. Please make this request as early as possible, due to the many competing demands for the statistical consultant's time. 

eLearning

SAS

As of July 2010, current students and staff of University of Illinois who wish to learn SAS Statistical Software can access eLearning from the SAS Institute without charge. If interested, please visit our Webstore at: http://webstore.illinois.edu/, and look for SAS eLearning under the Training link. The online courses available include: 

• SAS Programming 1: Essentials
• Querying, Reporting, and Analyzing Data using SAS(R)
• Enterprise Guide 4.2
• Advanced SAS Programming

SPSS

There is a  course on SPSS available on lynda.com, which is also available without charge.