Activity 15.1
Drawing a Regression Line in SPSS

This activity will show you how to have SPSS draw a regression line for a scatterplot created in that program.

Create the scatterplot for the HIV/AIDS rate and death rate for the nations in the "COUNTRIESdepr" data set (download / help downloading) as described in Web Exercise 15.2. When the scatterplot is showing in the SPSS viewer, double-click within the framework of the chart. A new, small window will appear titled SPSS Chart Editor. Click on "Chart" in the status bar area and choose "Options" from the drop-down menu. A new window, titled "Scatterplot Options," will open. In the upper right-hand quarter of the window, titled "Fit Line," click on "Total." Click on the "OK" button. Close the "Scatterplot Options" window. When you return to the SPSS viewer, the chart you originally created will have the regression line drawn through the cases in the scatterplot. Print the scatterplot with the regression line showing.

What does the regression line tell you about the relationship between a country's HIV/AID infection rate and its death rate?