Computer Application in Statistical Analysis of the Influence of the Education Level on the Perception of Economic and Social Issues

Several past decades have witnessed a significant increase in public awareness regarding the need for education and investing into knowledge. Highly developed economies of today have based their prosperity precisely on these prerequisites. Intensive development of science and technology and rapid expansion of tertiary sector have reflected also on comprehensive changes of the education system. In such circumstances, education has become imperative for all individuals trying to enhance their social and economic status. The level of education has thus become a very sensitive category which is significantly reflected on the perception of members of any given community. This paper aims to determine in what way the education level influences an individual’s assessment of own economic and social position. To carry out this research, an adequate sample of employees living in the Osijek-Baranja County was formed. The analysis of the stated questions required significant use of the statistical method (calculating descriptive statistics, factor analysis, analysis of variance and discriminant analysis). A relatively large number of variables included in the model necessitated using a computer and adequate software. One of the goals was also to present their possibilities in analysing the issues under examination.