C8982 Research Design and Analyses in Psychology

How to conduct a multiple regression in SPSS

This document details the steps required to conduct a multiple regression in SPSS. Another handout
includes the associated output with annotations.

Remember you use a multiple regression analysis when you are measuring the relationships between
more than two variables and you wish to predict scores on one variable (called the criterion variable)
using the scores on the other variables (called the predictor variables).

The variables and the data

Intention to be more active, level of optimism and self-efficacy (the predictors)

Minutes spent doing physical activity (the outcome variable/DV)

Table 1. Raw data of minutes per week spent being active, intention, optimism and self-efficacy

Min/Week Intention Optimism Self-efficacy

430 5.00 18.00 5.00

590 4.25 17.00 5.00

360 4.50 9.00 7.00

1390 4.50 6.00 3.00

1020 5.00 17.00 7.00

520 3.75 15.00 5.00

290 4.25 17.00 6.00

180 4.25 15.00 6.00

130 3.50 13.00 6.00

310 4.00 18.00 5.00

880 4.00 17.00 6.00

190 4.25 6.00 4.00

420 3.00 8.00 3.00

370 4.25 12.00 4.00

210 5.00 18.00 6.00

140 4.00 21.00 4.00

450 4.25 9.00 7.00

240 3.50 15.00 3.00

90 4.00 20.00 5.00

710 3.75 12.00 6.00

Step 1. After opening SPSS, and selecting ‘New dataset’, set up the data sheet, as below (with each
variable in a separate row in Variable View), naming variables in Variable View.

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Step 2. In Data View, enter the data; one row for each participant.

Step 3. Conduct a multiple regression

From the menu, click on Analyze, then Regression, then Linear, as below.

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The Linear Regression dialogue box will appear, move the MinWeek variable to the Dependent box and
Intention, Optimism and Self-Efficacy to the Independent(s) box. Note, that the Enter method is
selected as the Method but you can select other Methods such Stepwise, Forwards and Backwards
depending on the theoretical underpinning of your study. To do this click on Method.

Step 4. To generate further useful output, Click on Statistic and select Model fit, R squared change,
Descriptives, Collinearity diagnostics, and Casewise Diagnostics, as shown in the screenshot below.
The Descriptives option produces a table of means and standard deviations, and Casewise Diagnostics
can help to identify any outliers. Click on Continue.

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Step 5. To check the assumption of homoscedasticity, click on Plots and move *ZRESID to the Y box
and *ZPRED to the X box. *ZPRED is the scores predicted by the regression equation, presented in a
standardised format in the form of z-scores. *ZRESID is the standardised residuals (i.e. the differences
between the actual y scores in the data set and the predicted scores based on the regression equation,
again presented as z-scores). The resulting plot will allow you to check for homoscedasticity. You can also
select Histogram and Normal probability plot under Standardized Residual Plots to help you check the
residuals. Click on Continue, and then OK.

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Refer to the document on the annotated output to help you interpret the output you have produced.

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