When social scientists need to run detailed statistical computer analysis on a particular study or survey, one tool they can use is SPSS, a computer program that allows social scientists to quantitatively assess information. But with so many versions of the program and changes in the file types of later versions, it pays to know the different file types associated with the program, especially the .SPO file type.
Identification
- SPSS stands for "Statistical Package for the Social Sciences." It is a computer program that allows users to quantitatively analyze survey data and statistics generated from studies in the social sciences. The program has been around since the 1960s, according to Harvard University. As part of the program's myriad functions, users can create an output file, which displays all of the data analyzed and the statistical conclusions reached from any given set of data.
SPO File Type
- The .SPO file type refers to the file extension of an SPSS output file. This file contains the data analyzed in a particular SPSS table. An output file is generally the end result of SPSS analysis. This type of file would be the one you would send to a peer or use to print out conclusions after running an analysis in SPSS. The .SPO file is different from the .SAV file, which simply saves the data analysis you are working on for further editing and analysis at a later date.
Compatibility
- As of 2011, SPSS was on its 20th version since its release. This may cause problems for users of .SPO files. According to Ohio State University, .SPO files are not backward compatible. That means an .SPO file created in one version of SPSS cannot be opened in a previous version. Conversely, .SAV files are backward compatible. However, SPSS users can download a utility called Legacy Viewer, made by IBM, which distributes SPSS. This utility allows users of SPSS 16, 17, 18 and 19 on a Windows system view and edit .SPO files from earlier versions of the program.
Other Considerations
- The .SPO file type is becoming obsolete. Since SPSS version 16, the .SPO output file has been changed to a .SPV output file, according to The Ohio State University. However, these .SPV files are also not backward compatible. Even if you're using an .SPV file, you will need to take advantage of the Legacy Viewer to use the file with different versions of SPSS.
