SPSS- how to create frequency distribution graphs (e.g., bar graph, histogram, polygon)

This video describes how to create various types of frequency distribution graphs in SPSS, including: bar graphs (use for variables measured on nominal or ordinal scales), histograms (use for variables measured on interval or ratio scales), and polygons/line graphs (use for variables measured on interval or ratio scales).
note: these graphs are typically not APA style
Outline:
To create frequency distribution graphs:
• Make sure you have indicated the correct scale of measurement for each variable in variable view (i.e., nominal/ordinal/scale).
• Select “graphs” from the top menu bar
1. Select “chart builder”
2. Click OK if a dialog box opens
3. To switch the view of the variable list (you can view either the variable labels or the names)
 Hover the cursor over the list of variables
 Right click
 The options should come up to either “display variable names” or “display variable labels,” select whichever you prefer
4. Select type of graph
i. To create a bar graph (first complete steps 1-3)
 Under the gallery tab you will see “Choose from” followed by a list of options
 Select “bar”
 Double click on the first option “simple bar” (you will only see this name if the cursor is hovering over it)
 Select a variable from the list of variables, drag this variable into the box on the graph labeled “X-Axis?”
 When you do this, the “Y-Axis” of the graph should change to “count”
 Click “OK”
ii. To create a histogram (first complete steps 1-3)
 Under the gallery tab you will see “Choose from” followed by a list of options
 Select “histogram”
 Double click on the first option “simple histogram” (you will only see this name if the cursor is hovering over it)
 Select a variable from the list of variables, drag this variable into the box on the graph labeled “X-Axis?”
 When you do this, the “Y-Axis” of the graph should change to “histogram”
 Click “OK”
iii. To create a polygon (first complete steps 1-3)
 Under the gallery tab you will see “Choose from” followed by a list of options
 Select “line”
 Double click on the first option “simple line” (you will only see this name if the cursor is hovering over it)
 Select a variable from the list of variables, drag this variable into the box on the graph labeled “X-Axis?”
 When you do this, the “Y-Axis” of the graph should change to “histogram”
 Optional: in the “element properties” (menu on the right) you can select the option “display normal curve” to examine your distribution compared to the normal curve, click “Apply”
 Click “OK”