4. You can also request the Z scores directly from SPSS. However, SPSS figures the standard deviation based on the dividing by N - 1 formula for the variance.

Thus, the Z scores figured directly by SPSS will be different from the Z scores as you learn to figure them. Here are the steps for figuring Z scores (based on the dividing by N - 1 formula) directly from SPSS: ❶ Enter the scores from your distribution in one column of the data window. ❷ Analyze, Descriptive statistics, Descriptives. ❸ on the variable for which you want to find the Z scores, and then the arrow. ❹ the box labeled Save standardized values as variables (this checks the box). ❺ OK. A new variable is added to the data window. The values for this variable are the Z scores for your variable (based on the dividing by N - 1 formula). (You can ignore the output window, which by default will show descriptive statistics for your variable.)