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Lab 9: Construct a 50-state dataset
Purpose: To construct a 50-state data set (you may have a
few missing states, DC may or may not be included) on a topic related to your
term paper. The dataset should have one main dependent variable,
such as:
Select four Independent variables.
- For some, one independent variable may be directly
related to your topic
(e.g., severity of gun laws, death penalty states (coded 0 and 1), election
day registration, poverty rate).
- Some of the independent variables may be demographic
variables: (percent black, per capita income)
- Some may be key "policy" variables that you would
related to your dependent variable (percent of population without health
insurance,
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. Prepare a Scattergram with the two
variables that have the strongest relationship.
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