Political Science 138:
Quantitative Reasoning in Political Science

 

Lab 8: Correlation coefficients  November 1.

For this exercise you will download an Excel file containing NAEP math scores data and a number of independent variables for 42 states (not all states used the test).  You will use the Excel data analysis toolpack to calculate correlations coefficients for the data.  Then you download a Word file and answer a series of questions about the coefficients. 
 

Step 1.  Download the NAEP data file

Step 2: Make sure the statistical analysis toolpack is installed.

  • Add-in the statistical analysis package to Excel:
    (note: at home, you may be asked to insert the MS Office CD-ROM).
    • select Tools | Add ins
    • check the two Analysis ToolPack boxes
    • click OK

Step 3. Calculate the correlation coefficients

  • Choose Tools | Data Analysis from the menu.
    (note: if "Data Analysis" does not appear on the Tools menu, go back to the add-in command, uncheck the analysis tool pack boxes.  Then go back and re-check them).
  • Choose Correlation from the list of functions
  • Check the “labels in first row” box.
  • Provide a name to the “new worksheet Ply” (e.g. correlation)
  • Click on the colored box next to the input range.
  • Highlight the entire range of rows and columns for all the variables with the mouse, including the label in the top row.  Do not highlight the state names.
  • Click OK -- the correlations matrix will appear on the new worksheet
  • save the excel file and make a link on your homepage.

Step 4. Homework 6:  questions file

  • Copy the correlations from the excel file to the table in the document. 
  • Answer the questions and save the file as 7.doc on you W:\ drive