FREE INTERACTIVE TOOL
Stats Selection Tool
Answer a few questions about your research question, variables, and data — get an instant recommendation for the right statistical test.
BEFORE YOU START THREE — THINGS TO CONSIDER
1
Your research question
Be clear about what you are trying to find out — are you comparing groups, exploring a relationship, or assessing change over time?
2
Your variables
Know what type of data you have — categories such as gender or treatment group, or scores and measurements such as age or test results.
3
Your study design
Consider how many groups you are comparing, or what model you are assessing. Do you need to control for confounding variables?
Not sure about any of these? Visit the Before You Start page first →
ABOUT THIS TOOL
How the Stats Selection Tool works
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The Stats Selection Tool guides you through a series of plain-English questions about your research question, the type of data you have, and how your study is designed. Based on your answers it recommends the most appropriate statistical technique — with a plain-English explanation, the key assumptions you need to check, and a reference to the relevant chapter in the SPSS Survival Manual.
It is designed as a practical starting point, not a definitive answer. The result should always be considered alongside your research context, disciplinary conventions, and the advice of your supervisor or research adviser where appropriate.
This tool is intended as a guide only. The suggested test should always be considered in light of your study design, disciplinary conventions, and the advice of your supervisor, research adviser, or statistician where appropriate.