Norsk versjon – SPSS Amos

Software information

SPSS Amos (Analysis of Moment Structures) is software for structural equation modeling that allows you to support your research and theories by expanding standard multivariate analysis methods, including regression, factor analysis, correlation, and analysis of variance. With SPSS Amos, you can build attitude and behavioral models that reflect complex relationships more accurately than with standard multivariate statistics techniques using either an intuitive graphical or programmatic user interface.

The software is primarily used in social science research, psychology, education, and economics, and enables users to:

• Estimate and test complex causal models
• Perform confirmatory factor analysis (CFA)
• Model latent variables (hidden factors)
• Examine direct and indirect relationships between variables

SPSS Amos distinguishes itself through its graphical user interface, allowing users to visually construct structural models—unlike many other SEM programs that are script-based. This makes the tool particularly user-friendly for researchers without a programming background.

License information

• Site license: Available for Microsoft Windows and macOS X.
• The software is available for installation via the NTNU portal.
• On Programfarm and in Software Center, the software is already configured, and therefore no individual license key is required to use Amos.

Standalone Installation

• If you download and install SPSS Amos manually on a private, non-managed device, it may be necessary to provide an authorization code (license key).
• This code is typically obtained from the same download portal or by contacting the IT department.

License Expiration: The license expires on January 1, 2026.

Please note that the software may only be used for academic purposes (teaching and research) not for revenue-generating contract research.

Download

The program can be downloaded from one of the following sources:

• via the NTNU portal
• IBM SPSS Install Guides– Log in as an authorized user and download the licensed version of Amos:

🧾 Download SPSS Amos via IBM (step-by-step method):

• Go to ibm.com.
• Click on “Try free” or “Get a free trial” (typically valid for 14–30 days).
• Create an IBM account or log in.
• Select the desired version (e.g., Windows 64-bit).
• Download the installation file and follow the instructions.
• You must either:
  
  • Use the program during the trial period, or
  • Activate it with a license key provided by your institution or employer.

Installation Guide

1. Download the Installation Files

• Extract the downloaded ZIP file or mount the ISO file.
• Right-click on "setup.exe" and select "Run as administrator".
• When prompted for the license type, select "Authorized User License".
• Specify the destination folder or accept the default path, then click "Next".
• Enter the authorization code when the license window appears, and click "Next" to generate the license file.
• Complete the installation by clicking "Finish" once the setup program has completed, more information.

2. Licensing After Installation

• Once the installation is complete, launch the "License Authorization Wizard" from the Start menu.
• Select "Retrieve license from IBM" (via the internet) or "Install license from a file" if you have received a license file.
• Confirm that the license file is activated without any error messages, more information.

3. Verification of the Installation

• Open IBM SPSS Amos from the Start menu.
• Navigate to Help → About SPSS Amos.
• Verify that the correct version and license information are displayed without any warnings.

4. Uninstallation

• Open "Control Panel → Programs and Features".
• Locate "IBM SPSS Amos" in the list.
• Select "Uninstall" and follow the on-screen instructions to completely remove the program, more information.

License Renewal

Renewal of the existing SPSS Amos license at NTNU

1. Central site license at NTNU
NTNU maintains a central site license for SPSS Amos, which is automatically renewed on all NTNU-managed Windows machines. As an end user installing Amos via Software Center or Programfarm, you therefore do not need to perform any manual license renewal.

2. In case of downtime or license errors
If SPSS Amos ceases to function due to an expired license, or if you receive license error messages, you may request NTNU IT to verify and renew the license in the central license system. Please send an email to Orakel at NTNU (orakel@ntnu.no) with a brief description of the issue, including the machine or program version concerned.

3. Manual renewal for private Authorized User License

• If you have manually installed SPSS Amos on a private machine using an Authorized User License obtained from the NTNU portal or from IBM, and the license is about to expire, you may renew it as follows:
• Open the "License Authorization Wizard" in SPSS Amos (Start → IBM SPSS Amos → License Authorization Wizard).
• Select "Retrieve license via Internet" and enter the new authorization code, or choose "Install license from file" if you have received a license file.
• Complete the wizard and verify that the license information is displayed without warnings under "Help → About SPSS Amos".

Overview of the Key Features of the Program

Some central features of SPSS Amos

Documentation and Manuals

Official documentation and user manuals for IBM SPSS Amos

1. IBM Support Page for SPSS Amos
The primary source of official documentation is IBM’s support page for SPSS Amos. Here you will find complete PDF manuals for both administrators and end users.

2. Built-in Help in the Program
Amos includes a comprehensive help system that provides quick access to manuals without leaving the application:

• Open SPSS Amos and select "Help → Contents" for a structured overview of topics.
• Select "Help → PDF Manuals" to open the user guides directly in PDF format.

Toolboxes (Add-on Modules)

Available Add-on Packages (Plugins) for SPSS Amos

Below is an overview of the most commonly used add-on packages (“plugins”) that extend the functionality of SPSS Amos. Most of these have been developed by James Gaskin and are distributed free of charge via his StatWiki.

1. Indirect Effects Plugin

• Calculates standardized indirect effects and confidence intervals
• Provides detailed output for mediator and multi-group analyses

2. Bootstrap Plugin

• Adds bootstrap-based estimation directly into Amos
• Supports both the Bollen–Stine resampling method and traditional nonparametric bootstrap

3. Monte Carlo Simulation Plugin

• Simulates datasets based on a specified model to assess statistical power
• Automates power analysis for structural equation modeling (SEM)

4. Outlier Detection Plugin

• Identifies extreme single observations in SEM data
• Reports Mahalanobis distances and potential influential observations

5. Modification Indices Plugin

• Extends Amos’ built-in modification indices with customizable thresholds
• Generates suggestions for model modifications in a user-friendly tabular format

6. Multi-Group Invariance Plugin

• Tests model invariance across groups (configural, metric, and scalar models)
• Provides a quick overview of parameter equality and significance differences

7. Custom Estimands Plugin

• Allows definition of custom estimated parameters (“estimands”) beyond Amos’ standard output
• Example: Composite measures, ratios, and tailored measures of differences

8. Bayesian Estimation Plugin (Beta Version)

• Provides access to basic Bayesian estimation methods in Amos
• Includes prior specification and posterior analysis

Plugin Installation

1. Download the ZIP file for the desired plugin from James Gaskin’s StatWiki.
2. Extract the files and copy the .amw (estimands) or .dll plugins to the appropriate directory:
3. Amos v23 and earlier: C:\Program Files (x86)\IBM\SPSS\Amos\<version>\Plugins
4. Amos v24–v26: C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\AmosDevelopment\Amos\<version>\Plugins
5. Open Amos; the plugins will appear under "Analyze → Plugins"
6. For newer versions (v27+), follow any update instructions provided by Gaskin, as the API may have changed

User Support

For technical support regarding SPSS Amos at NTNU, you may contact the following:

1. NTNU IT, Orakel Services:

• IT support for studenter
• IT support for employees

2. You may also visit the official support page for assistance with technical issues: .

3. Obtaining SPSS Amos Product Support from IBM: If you are not familiar with your IBM Site Technical Contact but have login credentials for the SPSS Technical Support website, you may log in to locate your IBM Site Technical Contact, see ibm.com.

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