Utilisation of Statistical Packages for Data Analysis among Post-Graduate Students in Universities in Rivers State

Abstract

This study investigated the utilisation of statistical packages for data analysis among postgraduate students in Universities in Rivers State. The study was guided by four research questions and their corresponding null hypotheses. The design for the study is descriptive research design. The population of the study is 397 post graduate students in Universities in Rivers State with sample size of 91. One instrument was used for the study titled “Utilisation of Statistical Packages for Data Analysis (USPDA). Items in the instrument were validated by the two experts in the field of Measurement and Evaluation, from Department of Psychology, Guidance and Counseling University of Port Harcourt. Both face and content validity of the instrument was done. The construct validity was also done using factor analysis. The significant value obtained (0.000<0.005) shows that the instrument is reasonably valid. To ensure the reliability of the instrument Cronbach alpha () technique was used for all the items in the instrument. Copies of the instrument were administered to 20 post graduate students who were not part of the sample for the study and then the scores obtained were subjected to Cronbach alpha technique. The alpha coefficients of 0.78 and 0.69 were obtained for SPSS and Excel respectively. Research questions were answered using mean and standard deviation. Hypotheses were tested using Z-Test at 0.05 level of significance with the use of Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Results revealed that statistical package is useful to post graduate students and is utilized among male and female post graduate students in Universities in Rivers State and is most used by male students. The use of statistical package essentially reduces errors in data analysis, presentation and interpretation of result in research among students. Most schools, companies, business owners’ governmental agencies use statistical packages for data analysis and presentation of results in either tabular or graphical form. It was recommended that Students as well as teaching and non-teaching staff should learn to improve their efficiency on the usage of statistical packages especially the one that is suitable for all analysis in their areas.