spss-mcp-guard

SPSS MCP Guard

Use this skill to make SPSS MCP execution robust, especially for uncommon procedures, long-running analyses, and syntax that may vary by SPSS version.

Workflow

1. Check capability first

   • Call spss_check_status.
   • If SPSS batch is unavailable, stop and explain that only file-mode tools are safe.

2. Read the data before writing syntax

   • Use spss_file_summary or spss_read_metadata first.
   • Never guess variable names or data shape.

3. Prefer the safest execution path

   • Use a dedicated MCP tool when one exists and is known-good.
   • Use spss_run_syntax for uncommon methods, but only after a smoke test.

4. Smoke test before heavy analysis

   • First run a minimal procedure such as:
     • DESCRIPTIVES
     • FREQUENCIES
     • DISPLAY DICTIONARY
   • Only attempt heavier methods after the smoke test succeeds.

5. Escalate analysis gradually

   • Start with the smallest sample or simplest valid syntax.
   • Add options one subcommand at a time.
   • For MDS/PROXSCAL-style work, first validate the command family and legal keywords by interpreting SPSS warnings.

6. Treat SPSS warnings as syntax guidance

   • If SPSS says a keyword is unrecognized, rewrite syntax to match the reported valid keywords.
   • Do not keep retrying the same syntax.

7. Distinguish timeout from syntax failure

   • A long wait is not always a true performance issue.
   • If possible, probe the same command through a minimal direct execution path before concluding it is only a timeout issue.

Guardrails

• Do not jump directly to complex procedures on first attempt.
• Do not assume old SPSS syntax examples match the installed version.
• Do not assume .env settings are loaded; verify behavior if timeout values look stale.
• Do not treat success=True as “analysis valid” without reading warning blocks.
• For uncommon procedures, keep the first successful run minimal, then add output options later.

Decision Tree