COMPARE.EDU.VN simplifies the process of comparing variables in SPSS, offering clear methodologies for effective statistical analysis. This guide will provide you with comprehensive techniques and best practices to master the art of variable comparison, giving you a competitive edge in data analysis and statistical interpretation. Unlock advanced data insights with practical comparisons.
1. Understanding the Basics of Variable Comparison in SPSS
Before diving into the specifics of comparing variables in SPSS, it’s important to grasp the foundational concepts. This section will cover the essential elements to ensure you have a solid base.
1.1. What is a Variable in SPSS?
In SPSS, a variable is a characteristic or attribute that can take on different values. Variables can be categorized into several types, each with its own properties and uses:
- Numeric Variables: These are variables that represent quantitative data, such as age, income, or test scores.
- String Variables: These variables represent qualitative data, such as names, addresses, or categories.
- Categorical Variables: These variables represent categories or groups, such as gender, education level, or marital status. Categorical variables can be further divided into:
- Nominal Variables: Categories have no inherent order (e.g., colors, types of cars).
- Ordinal Variables: Categories have a meaningful order (e.g., education levels, satisfaction ratings).
- Scale Variables: These are numeric variables with equal intervals between values, allowing for meaningful calculations like means and standard deviations.
Understanding these variable types is crucial because the type of variable dictates the appropriate statistical methods for comparison.
1.2. Why Compare Variables in SPSS?
Comparing variables in SPSS allows you to identify relationships, differences, and patterns within your data. Here are several reasons why you might want to compare variables:
- Identifying Correlations: Determine if changes in one variable are associated with changes in another.
- Testing Hypotheses: Validate assumptions or theories about relationships between variables.
- Analyzing Group Differences: Examine how different groups (defined by categorical variables) vary on certain metrics.
- Predicting Outcomes: Use one or more variables to predict the value of another variable.
- Improving Decision-Making: Make informed decisions based on data-driven insights.
For example, a researcher might compare the test scores of students who received different teaching methods to determine which method is more effective. A business analyst might compare sales data across different regions to identify high-performing areas.
1.3. Key Statistical Concepts for Variable Comparison
Several statistical concepts are fundamental to comparing variables in SPSS:
- Descriptive Statistics: Measures that summarize the characteristics of a variable, such as mean, median, standard deviation, and range.
- Inferential Statistics: Methods used to draw conclusions about a population based on a sample, such as t-tests, ANOVA, and chi-square tests.
- Hypothesis Testing: A process of evaluating evidence to support or reject a claim about a population.
- Significance Level (p-value): The probability of observing a result as extreme as, or more extreme than, the actual result, assuming the null hypothesis is true. A small p-value (typically ≤ 0.05) indicates strong evidence against the null hypothesis.
- Effect Size: A measure of the magnitude of the difference between groups or the strength of a relationship between variables.
- Confidence Intervals: A range of values that is likely to contain the true population parameter with a certain level of confidence.
Understanding these concepts will help you choose the right statistical tests and interpret the results accurately.
2. Methods for Comparing Two Variables in SPSS
SPSS offers a variety of methods for comparing two variables, each suited for different types of variables and research questions. This section will explore the most common and effective techniques.
2.1. Comparing Means: T-Tests
A t-test is used to compare the means of two groups. There are two main types of t-tests:
- Independent Samples T-Test: Used when the two groups are independent of each other (e.g., comparing the test scores of students in two different schools).
- Paired Samples T-Test: Used when the two groups are related (e.g., comparing the blood pressure of patients before and after a treatment).
How to Perform an Independent Samples T-Test in SPSS:
- Go to Analyze > Compare Means > Independent-Samples T Test.
- Move the continuous variable you want to compare (e.g., test scores) to the Test Variable(s) list.
- Move the categorical variable that defines the two groups (e.g., school) to the Grouping Variable box.
- Click Define Groups and enter the values that represent the two groups (e.g., 1 and 2).
- Click OK to run the test.
How to Perform a Paired Samples T-Test in SPSS:
- Go to Analyze > Compare Means > Paired-Samples T Test.
- Select the two related variables you want to compare (e.g., pre-treatment blood pressure and post-treatment blood pressure).
- Click the arrow to move the pair of variables to the Paired Variables list.
- Click OK to run the test.
Interpreting the Results:
- T-Statistic: The calculated t-value for the test.
- Degrees of Freedom (df): The number of independent pieces of information used to calculate the t-statistic.
- p-value (Sig. (2-tailed)): The probability of observing a t-statistic as extreme as, or more extreme than, the actual result, assuming the null hypothesis is true. If the p-value is less than your chosen significance level (e.g., 0.05), you reject the null hypothesis and conclude that there is a significant difference between the means of the two groups.
- Mean Difference: The difference between the means of the two groups.
- Standard Error of the Difference: An estimate of the variability of the mean difference.
- Confidence Interval of the Difference: A range of values that is likely to contain the true mean difference with a certain level of confidence.
Example:
Suppose you want to compare the average income of men and women in a company. You perform an independent samples t-test and obtain a p-value of 0.03. Since the p-value is less than 0.05, you reject the null hypothesis and conclude that there is a significant difference in the average income of men and women in the company.
2.2. Analyzing Variance: ANOVA
Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) is used to compare the means of three or more groups. There are several types of ANOVA, including:
- One-Way ANOVA: Used when you have one categorical independent variable and one continuous dependent variable.
- Two-Way ANOVA: Used when you have two categorical independent variables and one continuous dependent variable.
- Repeated Measures ANOVA: Used when you have one or more categorical independent variables and one continuous dependent variable, and the same subjects are measured multiple times.
How to Perform a One-Way ANOVA in SPSS:
- Go to Analyze > Compare Means > One-Way ANOVA.
- Move the continuous variable you want to compare (e.g., test scores) to the Dependent List box.
- Move the categorical variable that defines the groups (e.g., teaching method) to the Factor box.
- Click Post Hoc if you want to perform post-hoc tests to determine which specific groups differ significantly from each other.
- Click Options to select descriptive statistics and homogeneity of variance tests.
- Click OK to run the test.
Interpreting the Results:
- F-Statistic: The calculated F-value for the test.
- Degrees of Freedom (df): There are two degrees of freedom values: one for the between-groups variance and one for the within-groups variance.
- p-value (Sig.): The probability of observing an F-statistic as extreme as, or more extreme than, the actual result, assuming the null hypothesis is true. If the p-value is less than your chosen significance level (e.g., 0.05), you reject the null hypothesis and conclude that there is a significant difference between the means of the groups.
- Post-Hoc Tests: If the ANOVA is significant, post-hoc tests (e.g., Tukey, Bonferroni) can be used to determine which specific groups differ significantly from each other.
Example:
Suppose you want to compare the average sales of three different marketing campaigns. You perform a one-way ANOVA and obtain a p-value of 0.01. Since the p-value is less than 0.05, you reject the null hypothesis and conclude that there is a significant difference in the average sales of the three marketing campaigns. You can then use post-hoc tests to determine which campaigns differ significantly from each other.
2.3. Examining Relationships: Correlation and Regression
Correlation and regression are used to examine the relationships between two or more continuous variables.
- Correlation: Measures the strength and direction of the linear relationship between two variables.
- Regression: Used to predict the value of one variable (the dependent variable) based on the value of one or more other variables (the independent variables).
How to Perform a Correlation Analysis in SPSS:
- Go to Analyze > Correlate > Bivariate.
- Move the two variables you want to correlate (e.g., age and income) to the Variables list.
- Select the type of correlation you want to calculate (e.g., Pearson, Spearman, Kendall).
- Click Options to select descriptive statistics and missing values treatment.
- Click OK to run the analysis.
Interpreting the Results:
- Correlation Coefficient (r): A value between -1 and +1 that indicates the strength and direction of the linear relationship between the two variables.
- A positive correlation (r > 0) indicates that as one variable increases, the other variable tends to increase.
- A negative correlation (r < 0) indicates that as one variable increases, the other variable tends to decrease.
- A correlation of 0 indicates no linear relationship between the two variables.
- p-value (Sig. (2-tailed)): The probability of observing a correlation coefficient as extreme as, or more extreme than, the actual result, assuming the null hypothesis is true. If the p-value is less than your chosen significance level (e.g., 0.05), you reject the null hypothesis and conclude that there is a significant correlation between the two variables.
How to Perform a Linear Regression Analysis in SPSS:
- Go to Analyze > Regression > Linear.
- Move the variable you want to predict (the dependent variable) to the Dependent box.
- Move the variable(s) you want to use to predict the dependent variable (the independent variable(s)) to the Independent(s) box.
- Click Statistics to select additional statistics, such as R-squared, adjusted R-squared, and collinearity diagnostics.
- Click Plots to create plots of the residuals to check the assumptions of linear regression.
- Click OK to run the analysis.
Interpreting the Results:
- R-squared: The proportion of variance in the dependent variable that is explained by the independent variable(s).
- Adjusted R-squared: A modified version of R-squared that takes into account the number of independent variables in the model.
- Regression Coefficients (B): The estimated coefficients for each independent variable in the model. These coefficients indicate the change in the dependent variable for a one-unit change in the independent variable, holding all other variables constant.
- p-values (Sig.): The probability of observing a regression coefficient as extreme as, or more extreme than, the actual result, assuming the null hypothesis is true. If the p-value is less than your chosen significance level (e.g., 0.05), you reject the null hypothesis and conclude that the independent variable has a significant effect on the dependent variable.
Example:
Suppose you want to examine the relationship between years of education and income. You perform a correlation analysis and obtain a correlation coefficient of 0.6 with a p-value of 0.01. This indicates a moderate positive correlation between years of education and income. You can then perform a linear regression analysis to predict income based on years of education.
2.4. Comparing Categorical Variables: Chi-Square Test
The chi-square test is used to compare two categorical variables. It determines whether there is a significant association between the two variables.
How to Perform a Chi-Square Test in SPSS:
- Go to Analyze > Descriptive Statistics > Crosstabs.
- Move one categorical variable to the Row(s) box.
- Move the other categorical variable to the Column(s) box.
- Click Statistics and select Chi-square.
- Click Cells and select the percentages you want to display (e.g., row percentages, column percentages).
- Click OK to run the test.
Interpreting the Results:
- Chi-Square Statistic: The calculated chi-square value for the test.
- Degrees of Freedom (df): The number of independent categories in the table.
- p-value (Asymp. Sig. (2-sided)): The probability of observing a chi-square statistic as extreme as, or more extreme than, the actual result, assuming the null hypothesis is true. If the p-value is less than your chosen significance level (e.g., 0.05), you reject the null hypothesis and conclude that there is a significant association between the two categorical variables.
Example:
Suppose you want to examine the relationship between gender and political affiliation. You perform a chi-square test and obtain a p-value of 0.02. Since the p-value is less than 0.05, you reject the null hypothesis and conclude that there is a significant association between gender and political affiliation.
3. Advanced Techniques for Variable Comparison
Once you’ve mastered the basic methods, you can explore advanced techniques to gain deeper insights into your data.
3.1. Mediation Analysis
Mediation analysis is used to examine the process by which one variable (the independent variable) influences another variable (the dependent variable) through a third variable (the mediator).
Steps to Perform Mediation Analysis:
- Establish a Relationship: First, demonstrate that there is a significant relationship between the independent variable (X) and the dependent variable (Y).
- Test the Mediation Path: Show that the independent variable (X) is significantly related to the mediator (M), and that the mediator (M) is significantly related to the dependent variable (Y), controlling for the independent variable (X).
- Assess the Mediation Effect: Use statistical methods, such as the Sobel test or bootstrapping, to assess the significance of the indirect effect (the product of the path coefficients from X to M and from M to Y).
Example:
Suppose you want to examine whether the effect of job training (X) on employee performance (Y) is mediated by job satisfaction (M). You would first show that job training is related to employee performance. Then, you would show that job training is related to job satisfaction, and that job satisfaction is related to employee performance, controlling for job training. Finally, you would assess the significance of the indirect effect using a Sobel test or bootstrapping.
3.2. Moderation Analysis
Moderation analysis is used to examine whether the relationship between two variables (the independent variable and the dependent variable) is influenced by a third variable (the moderator).
Steps to Perform Moderation Analysis:
- Create an Interaction Term: Multiply the independent variable (X) by the moderator (Z) to create an interaction term (X * Z).
- Run a Regression Analysis: Include the independent variable (X), the moderator (Z), and the interaction term (X * Z) in a regression model to predict the dependent variable (Y).
- Interpret the Results: If the coefficient for the interaction term is significant, it indicates that the relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable is moderated by the third variable.
Example:
Suppose you want to examine whether the relationship between advertising spending (X) and sales (Y) is moderated by brand awareness (Z). You would create an interaction term by multiplying advertising spending by brand awareness. Then, you would include advertising spending, brand awareness, and the interaction term in a regression model to predict sales. If the coefficient for the interaction term is significant, it indicates that the relationship between advertising spending and sales is moderated by brand awareness.
3.3. Factor Analysis
Factor analysis is a data reduction technique used to identify underlying factors that explain the correlations among a set of variables.
Steps to Perform Factor Analysis:
- Assess Data Suitability: Ensure that your data is suitable for factor analysis by checking for sufficient sample size, adequate correlations among variables, and absence of multicollinearity.
- Extract Factors: Use methods such as principal component analysis or common factor analysis to extract the underlying factors.
- Rotate Factors: Rotate the factors to improve interpretability. Common rotation methods include varimax, quartimax, and equamax.
- Interpret Factors: Examine the factor loadings (the correlations between the variables and the factors) to determine the meaning of each factor.
Example:
Suppose you have a survey with a large number of questions about customer satisfaction. You can use factor analysis to identify underlying dimensions of customer satisfaction, such as product quality, service quality, and price fairness.
3.4. Cluster Analysis
Cluster analysis is a technique used to group similar cases or variables into clusters based on their characteristics.
Steps to Perform Cluster Analysis:
- Choose a Clustering Method: Select a clustering method, such as hierarchical clustering, k-means clustering, or two-step clustering.
- Select Variables: Choose the variables that you want to use to cluster the cases or variables.
- Run the Analysis: Run the cluster analysis algorithm to group the cases or variables into clusters.
- Interpret the Results: Examine the characteristics of each cluster to determine its meaning.
Example:
Suppose you have data on the demographics and purchasing behavior of your customers. You can use cluster analysis to segment your customers into different groups based on their characteristics. This can help you tailor your marketing efforts to each group.
4. Practical Examples of Variable Comparison in SPSS
To further illustrate the concepts discussed, let’s explore some practical examples of How To Compare Two Variables In Spss across various fields.
4.1. Example 1: Comparing Student Performance
Scenario: A school administrator wants to compare the performance of students in two different teaching programs.
Data: The administrator has collected test scores from students in both programs.
Analysis:
- Independent Samples T-Test: Use an independent samples t-test to compare the mean test scores of students in the two programs.
- Interpretation: If the p-value is less than 0.05, conclude that there is a significant difference in the performance of students in the two programs.
- Further Analysis: Calculate effect sizes to determine the magnitude of the difference.
SPSS Steps:
- Analyze > Compare Means > Independent-Samples T Test
- Test Variable(s): Test Scores
- Grouping Variable: Program (Define Groups: Program A = 1, Program B = 2)
4.2. Example 2: Analyzing Customer Satisfaction
Scenario: A company wants to understand the relationship between customer service quality and overall satisfaction.
Data: The company has survey data with ratings for customer service quality and overall satisfaction.
Analysis:
- Correlation Analysis: Use correlation analysis to measure the strength and direction of the relationship between customer service quality and overall satisfaction.
- Regression Analysis: Use regression analysis to predict overall satisfaction based on customer service quality.
- Interpretation: Interpret the correlation coefficient and regression coefficients to understand the nature and strength of the relationship.
SPSS Steps:
- Analyze > Correlate > Bivariate
- Variables: Customer Service Quality, Overall Satisfaction
- Analyze > Regression > Linear
- Dependent: Overall Satisfaction
- Independent(s): Customer Service Quality
4.3. Example 3: Evaluating Marketing Campaigns
Scenario: A marketing manager wants to compare the effectiveness of three different marketing campaigns on sales.
Data: The manager has sales data for each of the three campaigns.
Analysis:
- One-Way ANOVA: Use a one-way ANOVA to compare the mean sales for the three campaigns.
- Post-Hoc Tests: If the ANOVA is significant, use post-hoc tests to determine which campaigns differ significantly from each other.
- Interpretation: Interpret the F-statistic and p-value to determine whether there are significant differences in sales among the campaigns.
SPSS Steps:
- Analyze > Compare Means > One-Way ANOVA
- Dependent List: Sales
- Factor: Campaign (Define Range: 1 to 3)
- Post Hoc: Tukey or Bonferroni
4.4. Example 4: Studying Political Affiliation
Scenario: A political analyst wants to examine the relationship between gender and political affiliation.
Data: The analyst has survey data on gender and political affiliation.
Analysis:
- Chi-Square Test: Use a chi-square test to determine whether there is a significant association between gender and political affiliation.
- Interpretation: Interpret the chi-square statistic and p-value to determine whether there is a significant association between the two variables.
SPSS Steps:
- Analyze > Descriptive Statistics > Crosstabs
- Row(s): Gender
- Column(s): Political Affiliation
- Statistics: Chi-square
5. Tips for Accurate Variable Comparison in SPSS
To ensure your variable comparisons in SPSS are accurate and reliable, consider these tips:
5.1. Data Cleaning and Preparation
- Handle Missing Data: Decide how to handle missing data. Options include deleting cases with missing data, imputing missing values, or using statistical methods that can handle missing data.
- Identify and Correct Errors: Check for outliers, inconsistencies, and other errors in your data. Correct these errors before proceeding with your analysis.
- Transform Variables: Transform variables as needed to meet the assumptions of the statistical tests you plan to use. For example, you may need to take the logarithm of a variable to normalize its distribution.
5.2. Choosing the Right Statistical Test
- Consider Variable Types: Choose statistical tests that are appropriate for the types of variables you are comparing. For example, use a t-test to compare the means of two groups, ANOVA to compare the means of three or more groups, and chi-square test to compare two categorical variables.
- Check Assumptions: Ensure that your data meet the assumptions of the statistical tests you plan to use. For example, t-tests and ANOVA assume that the data are normally distributed and that the variances of the groups are equal.
- Consult with a Statistician: If you are unsure which statistical test to use, consult with a statistician.
5.3. Interpreting Results Carefully
- Consider the p-value: The p-value indicates the probability of observing a result as extreme as, or more extreme than, the actual result, assuming the null hypothesis is true. A small p-value (typically ≤ 0.05) indicates strong evidence against the null hypothesis.
- Calculate Effect Sizes: Effect sizes measure the magnitude of the difference between groups or the strength of a relationship between variables. They provide additional information beyond the p-value and can help you determine the practical significance of your findings.
- Consider Confidence Intervals: Confidence intervals provide a range of values that is likely to contain the true population parameter with a certain level of confidence. They can help you assess the precision of your estimates.
5.4. Documenting Your Analysis
- Keep Detailed Records: Keep detailed records of your data cleaning, variable transformations, statistical tests, and results. This will help you reproduce your analysis and ensure that your findings are transparent and reproducible.
- Use Clear and Concise Language: Use clear and concise language when describing your analysis and results. Avoid jargon and technical terms that may not be familiar to your audience.
- Create Visualizations: Create visualizations, such as histograms, scatterplots, and boxplots, to help you explore your data and communicate your findings.
6. Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Comparing Variables
When comparing variables in SPSS, it’s crucial to avoid common pitfalls that can lead to inaccurate or misleading results.
6.1. Ignoring Assumptions of Statistical Tests
Many statistical tests have underlying assumptions that must be met for the results to be valid. Ignoring these assumptions can lead to incorrect conclusions. For example, t-tests and ANOVA assume that the data are normally distributed and that the variances of the groups are equal. If these assumptions are not met, you may need to use a different statistical test or transform your data.
6.2. Overinterpreting Correlation
Correlation measures the strength and direction of the linear relationship between two variables. However, correlation does not imply causation. Just because two variables are correlated does not mean that one variable causes the other. There may be other factors that are influencing both variables, or the relationship may be coincidental.
6.3. Multiple Comparisons Problem
When performing multiple statistical tests, the probability of finding a significant result by chance increases. This is known as the multiple comparisons problem. To address this problem, you can use methods such as the Bonferroni correction or the false discovery rate (FDR) control to adjust the significance level for each test.
6.4. Data Dredging
Data dredging, also known as p-hacking, is the practice of repeatedly analyzing data until a significant result is found. This can lead to false positives and unreliable findings. To avoid data dredging, you should have a clear research question and hypothesis before you begin analyzing your data, and you should avoid making changes to your analysis plan after you have seen the results.
6.5. Neglecting Effect Size
While a p-value indicates the statistical significance of a result, it does not tell you the magnitude of the effect. It’s important to calculate and report effect sizes to understand the practical significance of your findings.
7. Resources for Further Learning
To deepen your understanding of how to compare two variables in SPSS, consider exploring these resources:
7.1. Online Courses
- Coursera: Offers various courses on data analysis and statistics using SPSS.
- Udemy: Provides practical SPSS tutorials and courses for beginners to advanced users.
- LinkedIn Learning: Features comprehensive SPSS training courses taught by industry experts.
7.2. Books
- SPSS Statistics for Data Analysis and Visualization by David Cronk: A comprehensive guide covering various statistical analyses with SPSS.
- Discovering Statistics Using IBM SPSS Statistics by Andy Field: A popular textbook that explains statistical concepts in an accessible manner.
- SPSS Survival Manual by Julie Pallant: A practical guide for conducting statistical analysis using SPSS, suitable for students and researchers.
7.3. Websites and Blogs
- COMPARE.EDU.VN: A website dedicated to providing detailed comparisons and analyses to help users make informed decisions.
- SPSS Tutorials: Offers step-by-step tutorials and examples on how to perform different statistical analyses in SPSS.
- Statistics Solutions: Provides statistical consulting services and resources for researchers and students.
- IBM SPSS Documentation: The official documentation for SPSS, offering detailed information on all features and functions.
7.4. Forums and Communities
- ResearchGate: A platform for researchers to share and discuss their work, including statistical analysis and SPSS-related topics.
- Stack Overflow: A question-and-answer website for programmers and data analysts, where you can find solutions to specific SPSS problems.
- SPSSX-L Mailing List: A mailing list for SPSS users to ask questions and share knowledge.
8. Conclusion: Mastering Variable Comparison for Data-Driven Decisions
Comparing two variables in SPSS is a fundamental skill for anyone working with data. By understanding the basics, mastering the appropriate methods, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can unlock valuable insights and make informed decisions. With the techniques and resources provided, you are well-equipped to leverage SPSS for effective variable comparison and data analysis.
Remember to continually refine your skills and stay updated with the latest advancements in statistical analysis. Visit COMPARE.EDU.VN for more comprehensive guides and resources to enhance your data analysis capabilities.
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9. FAQ: Variable Comparison in SPSS
1. What is the difference between independent and paired samples t-tests?
An independent samples t-test compares the means of two independent groups, while a paired samples t-test compares the means of two related groups (e.g., before and after measurements on the same subjects).
2. When should I use ANOVA instead of a t-test?
Use ANOVA when you want to compare the means of three or more groups. A t-test is only appropriate for comparing two groups.
3. What does a p-value tell me?
The p-value indicates the probability of observing a result as extreme as, or more extreme than, the actual result, assuming the null hypothesis is true. A small p-value (typically ≤ 0.05) indicates strong evidence against the null hypothesis.
4. How do I interpret a correlation coefficient?
A correlation coefficient ranges from -1 to +1. A positive correlation indicates that as one variable increases, the other variable tends to increase. A negative correlation indicates that as one variable increases, the other variable tends to decrease. A correlation of 0 indicates no linear relationship.
5. What is the chi-square test used for?
The chi-square test is used to determine whether there is a significant association between two categorical variables.
6. What are the assumptions of ANOVA?
The assumptions of ANOVA include normality of the data, homogeneity of variances, and independence of observations.
7. How can I handle missing data in SPSS?
You can handle missing data by deleting cases with missing data, imputing missing values, or using statistical methods that can handle missing data.
8. What is effect size and why is it important?
Effect size measures the magnitude of the difference between groups or the strength of a relationship between variables. It is important because it provides additional information beyond the p-value and can help you determine the practical significance of your findings.
9. How do I perform a linear regression analysis in SPSS?
Go to Analyze > Regression > Linear, move the dependent variable to the Dependent box, and move the independent variable(s) to the Independent(s) box.
10. What are some common pitfalls to avoid when comparing variables in SPSS?
Common pitfalls include ignoring assumptions of statistical tests, overinterpreting correlation, multiple comparisons problem, data dredging, and neglecting effect size.