Conducting Multivariate One- and Two-Sample Statistical tests using SPSS Syntax

Abstract

The availability of multivariate one-sample and two-sample testing procedures is often restricted or merged with other statistical tests in many statistical applications. SPSS software, known for its user-friendly Graphical User Interface (GUI) for statistical analysis, also provides a specialised programming language called SPSS syntax. This syntax allows users to execute statistical procedures by writing commands, providing an alternative to the GUI interface. The purpose of this paper is to create new dialogs written in the SPSS syntax language using custom dialog builder for extensions. These dialogs are designed to test multivariate one- and two-sample data when ∑ is unknown by applying Hotelling’s T2 test statistic, especially in situations where the GUI lacks these particular functionalities. In the case of two-sample data, both independent and paired multivariate testing methods are employed. Examples are supplied to demonstrate the key analyses performed using Hotelling's T2 tests. The syntax written for the analyses was performed using SPSS software v.27. The adoption of the developed dialogs is recommended for researchers requiring analysis of multivariate one- and two-sample data with limited or no programming experience, with potential future incorporation of the dialogs into forthcoming SPSS versions by IBM. Extending the scope of statistical analyses supported by SPSS dialogs through future research that encourages their use and supports wider acceptance of additional statistical methods not included in standard versions of SPSS.