The latest version (starting with SPSS 10) provides some very simple help in interpreting output through something called the "Results Coach". So if you're looking for elementary-level help in interpreting your SPSS output, here's how to get to the "Results Coach":

1. Run your analysis as usual.
2. "Output" is created every time you run an analysis in SPSS. To interpret a particular table¹ in your output...
3. Point your mouse at the middle of the table you want an explanation of, and right click. Then select "Results Coach" from the menu that appears.
4. The Results Coach then pops up and gives you (very simple) descriptions of the most important parts of the table.
5. To progress through the results coach, keep clicking the "next" button in the top-right corner of the Results Coach window.

Naturally, you get only very simple explanations from the Results Coach, but often that's all you need! If you have more detailed questions that can not be answered through the SPSS Results Coach, try a very specific search on Altavista or Google. There is a tremendous amount of free statistical information available online (including entire textbooks!), but you'll need to know how to conduct a very precise search before finding the information you're looking for.

¹ Results coach can only help you with tables, not charts/graphs/scatterplots/etc.

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