5. Note that if you request the variance from SPSS, you can convert it to the variance as we figure it in this chapter by multiplying the variance from SPSS by N - 1 (that is, the number of scores minus 1) and then dividing the result by N (the number of scores). That is, the variance as we are figuring it in this chapter comes out to SPSS’s variance multiplied by 1N - 12>N. Taking the square root of the resulting value will give you the standard deviation (using the formula you learned in this chapter). We use a slightly longer approach to figuring the variance and standard deviation to reinforce the basic logic of the variance and standard deviation, and also to show you how to create new variables in SPSS.