SPSS in the Philippines: Over 50 years of Continuous Relevance
Statistical analysis has been a cornerstone of research and decision-making across various disciplines. The 1970s marked a turning point for social sciences, as the increasing availability of computers allowed researchers to analyze data in ways that were previously impossible. At the heart of this transformation was SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences), a software tool that enabled social scientists to perform complex statistical analyses without needing advanced programming skills. Such was the influence of SPSS that the original SPSS manual (Nie, Bent & Hull, 1970) is considered one of “sociology’s most influential books.” SPSS is one of a rare breed of software that has been used, maintained, and continuously updated for over fifty years. From its early days on mainframe computers to its modern AI-powered versions under IBM, SPSS has played a crucial role in shaping the methods and scope of social science research. A personal account of SPSS in the Philippines in the 1970s The 1970s was a transformative era for data analysis. Computing technology was advancing, yet many processes remained cumbersome and required extensive manual intervention. Marcelo Robosa, Chairman of EACOMM Corporation, recalls his first encounter with SPSS in the Philippines in 1977 while working at the Institute of Labor and Manpower Studies (ILMS) under the Department of Labor. At that time, data entry was a labor-intensive task. “I got involved in the manual editing of data using pencil and paper,” Robosa shares. The data was then transferred onto punch cards using the Hollerith system, a method widely used in early computing. These punch cards were processed using mainframe computers, an experience that was vastly different from today’s real-time statistical analysis. Processing SPSS on Mainframe Computers In the late 1970s, ILMS utilized block time accounts at major computer facilities, such as the MERALCO computer facility on Ortigas Avenue. This facility housed an IBM System/360 mainframe, a behemoth of a machine that required careful environmental control, including a cold room to prevent overheating. “There was a window for receiving processing requests. We submitted a box of punch cards, and then we had to wait for the results,” Robosa recalls. The turnaround time for processing depended on the queue and could take hours or even overnight. This starkly contrasts with modern SPSS versions, where results are generated instantaneously. Errors in processing required meticulous correction. Once results were received in printed form, any inaccuracies meant locating the erroneous punch card, manually editing it, and resubmitting the batch. “To print a correct card, I had to learn how to use the punch card machine,” Robosa notes, underscoring the technical skills required at the time. Given the high demand for computing resources, ILMS later established an additional block time account at the Technology Resource Center (TRC) on Buendia Avenue, Makati. This facility used the UNIVAC 1100, another mainframe system capable of processing SPSS data. Having access to multiple computing centers helped mitigate delays caused by high user traffic. Unlike the MERALCO facility, TRC allowed users direct access to a console for editing and correction, which significantly reduced turnaround time. However, the core functions of SPSS—data definition, task execution, and data processing—remained consistent across platforms. The key difference lay in the Job Control Language (JCL) used to interact with the system. For non-programmers like Robosa, learning JCL was a challenge, but he overcame it with the help of peers he met while waiting for processing jobs. SPSS in the 1980s: Expansion and Graphical Interfaces Technological Advancements The early 1980s marked a shift from mainframe-based batch processing to more interactive computing. SPSS-X, introduced in 1983, was a significant update that allowed users to process datasets with multiple record types, a key feature that improved flexibility for researchers handling complex datasets. During this period, computers were still primarily used in universities, government agencies, and large corporations. SPSS remained a command-driven software, requiring users to input syntax commands to run statistical analyses. While this approach was effective, it limited the software’s usability to those with advanced technical knowledge. The Rise of Personal Computers and SPSS for Windows The introduction of personal computers (PCs) in the mid-1980s revolutionized how statistical analysis was performed. As PCs became more affordable and accessible, software developers began adapting programs for individual use. Recognizing this shift, SPSS Inc. started developing versions that could run on standalone computers rather than requiring access to costly mainframe systems. By 1989, SPSS introduced its first version compatible with Microsoft Windows, allowing users to run analyses on PCs without needing specialized mainframe access. This marked the beginning of SPSS’s transition to a more user-friendly interface, paving the way for broader adoption among non-specialist users. SPSS in the 1990s: The Rise of the Graphical User Interface (GUI) and Business Analytics The Introduction of SPSS with a Graphical Interface The biggest change in SPSS during the 1990s was the introduction of a graphical user interface (GUI). Before this, users had to rely on command-line syntax, which required technical expertise. With the introduction of a point-and-click interface in the early 1990s, SPSS became accessible to a much wider audience, including students, researchers, and business analysts who lacked programming skills. By SPSS 6.1 (1995), the software had a fully developed GUI that allowed users to conduct complex statistical analyses through a menu-driven system. This eliminated the need for extensive knowledge of command syntax, making SPSS significantly easier to use. Key Features Introduced in the 1990s The Lasting Impact of SPSS in the Philippines from the 1980s and 1990s By the end of the 1990s, SPSS had firmly established itself as one of the most widely used statistical software programs across academia, government, and the private sector. SPSS Made Statistical Analysis More Accessible Before SPSS, advanced statistical analysis was limited to specialists with programming expertise. The introduction of GUIs in the 1990s made statistical tools accessible to students, business professionals, and policymakers, enabling more people to apply data-driven insights in their work. SPSS Helped Establish Predictive Analytics in Business The widespread adoption of SPSS in the 1990s played a crucial role in the development of
What’s New with IBM SPSS Statistics 29: Now For Sale in the Philippines
EACOMM Corporation, in line with its partnership with IBM is now offering IBM SPSS Statistics 29 in the Philippines. SPSS stands for “Statistical Package for the Social Sciences.” It is a software program used for statistical analysis, data management, and data visualization. SPSS is widely used in various fields, including social sciences, psychology, economics, business, health sciences, and more, to analyze and interpret data for research, decision-making, and reporting purposes. Here are some key features and functions of SPSS: IBM SPSS Statistics 29 introduces several new features and enhancements. Here’s an overview of what’s new: These new features and enhancements aim to improve the functionality and usability of IBM SPSS Statistics 29, making it a more powerful tool for data analysis and statistical modeling. Users can take advantage of these updates to streamline their workflow and gain deeper insights from their data. By purchasing IBM SPSS Statistics 29 from EACOMM Corporation, your organization will benefit from local support in the installation and use of this powerful software. Contact Us Today to know more!