Statistical analysis tools in social sciences: Excel, SPSS, and ethical considerations

Statistical Package for the Social Sciences
Describe ways in which MS Excel can be used by a manager of an organization as a tool for interpreting data
There are different ways in which a manager of an organization can employ MS Excel as a tool for data interpretation. One of the uses of MS Excel is collating, which encompasses collecting associated data items into a single item. The layout and formatting of the worksheet can enable the managers to perceive data sets in a structured and organized formation, which augments clarity of the data. The second benefit is processing. Excel cells can include functions, formulas as well as references to other excel cells, that permit one to glean information in prevailing data sets. Therefore, excel functions can facilitate the process of interpreting a data set in a manner that is suitable to the data itself and the system in position. A manager can interpret data through filtering. The filtering processes in MS Excel encompass sorting and application of conditions. These filters can be employed to find values within certain ranges. Taking this into consideration, managers can chain conditional tests in tandem to undertake intricate queries on data sets, handing them a level of interpretation that would be anticipated in a database system. There is also the aspect of visualizing. MS Excel is beneficial in transforming a data set into graphs and charts. Managers can undertake visualizing of data sets which can be effectual in comprehending and interpreting such data sets (Smith, 2018).
What are the major benefits to using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) software?
SPSS, akin to several other tools like Stata and SAS, offers the simple know-how and ability to undertake descriptive statistics, regression, and correlations. Through different add-ons, SPSS can facilitate the performance of more advanced research needs such as multivariate analysis, conjoint analysis in addition to neural networks. The software package has the advantage in that it provide the expediency in automating numerous tasks like cleansing and organizing data, together with generating charts together with other kinds of output. The researcher is also able to automate different tasks like data coding, analysis of missing values and import or export functions. Another major benefit of SPSS takes into account its expansive options for data analysis. It is imperative to note that a comprehensive range of data analysis functions can be undertaken through the use of SPSS such as T-test, hypothesis testing, ANOVA, factor analysis, time series forecasting as well as other. Furthermore, all of the functions within the statistical package are all automated to the extent that the researcher basically needs to select the pertinent variables and corresponding applications for data output and analysis and the statistical package handles the rest. Another benefit is that apart from facilitating statistical analysis, the software also comprises of data management, which permits the researcher to undertake case selection, generate derived data and do file reshaping. There is also the benefit of data documentation, which enables the storage of metadata together with the datafile (Statistics Solutions, 2018).
What potential legal or ethical issues could arise if the information gained in a survey was used to create an ideal profile of characteristics that the company looked for when hiring employee
There are potential legal as well as ethical issues that could arise if the information obtained in a survey could be utilized to generate an ideal profile or model of characteristics that the organization was in pursuit of when hiring employees. To begin with, it can be deemed unethical to create an ideal profile of people that would be considered as prospective employees owing to the reason that each and every person is diversified and distinct in regards to their skills, talents, and individualities. Essentially, the individualities that make each and every individual dissimilar are those that facilitate a healthy and constructive workplace setting. From a legal standpoint, this particular act would be deemed as discrimination. Imperatively, when an organization create a set of answers from a questionnaire or survey that will be employed as a foundation or center for a good potential employee, the organization is also taking the best of each and every individual that participated. To discriminate or show favor against an individual’s wide ranging and personal skills and proficiencies simply because they are not completely in line with the set ideal profile not only overlooks the potential of that individual but is also a harsh indicator that they are not good enough (Management Association, 2015).
References
Management Association (Ed.). (2015). Business Law and Ethics: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications. IGI Global.
Smith, S. (2018). In what ways is MS Excel used to interpret data? Chron. Retrieved 3 September, 2018 from: https://smallbusiness.chron.com/ways-ms-excel-used-interpret-data-72984.html
Statistics Solutions. (2018). SPSS – Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Retrieved 3 September, 2018 from: http://www.statisticssolutions.com/spss-statisticalpackageforsocialsciences/