Date:         Mon, 14 Feb 2005 08:56:08 -0800
Reply-To:     Dale Glaser <glaserconsult@sbcglobal.net>
Sender:       "SPSSX(r) Discussion" <SPSSX-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
From:         Dale Glaser <glaserconsult@sbcglobal.net>
Subject:      Re: Supporting Dale Glaser's comment on documentation
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

I think that is fine to have the algorithms and explanations in a help "right click of mouse" type of system, but I'm one of the old-fogies that still like to run the analysis, and parallel to my left elbow I prefer to have the SPSS manual with calculations (as they were many years ago) explicitly elucidated.  As I stated when I initiated this thread, what prompted my comment is the various texts I needed to access to clearly define the threshold parameters in proportional odds modeling (AKA: Ordinal Regression using PLUM).  Now, I did after my thread access the help system and it did render some clarity, but not near the statistical detail I was accustomed to with older SPSS manuals. One individual responded to me commenting that he still uses the SPSS-X User's Guide for clarifying certain procedures, which for many I"m sure is rather dust-ridden!  I am well aware that much will be available via PDF manuals in the CD, but I know for myself I seem to end up purchasing the manuals
 separately, at least when they're >800 pages such as the Syntax Reference Guide.

(PS: I still make frequent use of the 'temporary' command!!!!)

Dale

"Oliver, Richard" <richard@spss.com> wrote:
Sorry I wasn't clear. SPSS 14 isn't out yet, but when it is released later this year, the syntax reference material will be integrated in the help system.

-----Original Message-----
From: Will Bailey [Statman] [mailto:statmanz@earthlink.net]
Sent: Monday, February 14, 2005 10:31 AM
To: Oliver, Richard; SPSSX-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU
Subject: Re: Re: Supporting Dale Glaser's comment on documentation

There is no V14. I think Rich means V12, as I recall, is where the manuals began to be available on the CD

WMB

On 2/14/2005 11:03:33 AM, Oliver, Richard (richard@spss.com) wrote:
> Starting with SPSS 14, the syntax reference material will be included
> in the context-sensitive help system, as well as still available as a
> separate PDF document.
>
>
>
> As for the
> "diminishing amount of information per command at each successive
version,"
> I hope this really isn't the case. Although it's true that detailed
> statistical examples for Base, Advanced, and Regression Models
> procedures are no longer included in the manuals, examples are
> provided for most procedures in the Case Studies, available from the
> Help menu or by right- clicking any table produced by the procedure.
> Right-mouse context help is also available for many terms in tables.
>
>
>
> With the notable exception of removing detailed statistical examples
> from certain manuals, we have made no conscious/deliberate attempt to
> abridge any of our documentation. In many instances, I suspect it's
> more an issue of finding the information, since it's not all in one
> place -- an issue we're still working on. And one step in that
> direction is integrating the
syntax reference material with the help system.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: SPSSX(r) Discussion [mailto:SPSSX-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU] On Behalf
> Of
Hector Malett





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