How Do I Create a Frequency Polygon in SPSS?

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Frequency polygon graphs can be created using SPSS.

The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) is statistical software from IBM used for analyzing data in various types of research projects. One of the best features of SPSS is that it can create many different kinds of charts and graphs to allow you to visually see how participants acted in your study. A frequency polygon is one of the types of histogram graphs that can be created through SPSS. The main different between a regular histogram and a frequency polygon is that a frequency polygon displays a more graphic element, rather than just a bar graph.

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Step 1

Open your database in SPSS.

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Step 2

Click on "Graphs" and "Chart Builder."

Step 3

Select "Histogram" on the "Gallery" tab at the bottom of the dialog box.

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Step 4

Choose the "Frequency Polygon" graph, which is the third graph to the right. If you place your mouse over the graph, it will say "Frequency Polygon."

Step 5

Drag your chosen variables to the x and y axes to create your graph from the "Variables" list on the left side of the "Chart Builder" dialog box. If you change your mind and want to use different variables, simply drag them back to the "Variables" box and choose a new variable.

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Step 6

Click "OK" and your frequency polygon graph will appear in a new output window.

Step 7

Click "File" and "Save" to save your frequency polygon.

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