In SPSS, we sometimes encounter variables that are negatively coded: lower values indicate higher agreement or more positive sentiments. Although this is not really “wrong” in any way, positive coding is more intuitive. Especially when reporting means over variables, most readers naturally expect higher means to indicate something better, not worse. So what’s the best way to reverse code variables? […]
Recoding both string and numeric variables in SPSS is usually done with RECODE. Doing so with syntax is way faster than with the menu, especially if you want to recode many variables at once. Note that you’ll often want to apply or adjust some value labels after recoding.Alternatively, string variables can be recoded into numeric variables with AUTORECODE. Doing […]
In SPSS, I don’t like to recode variables into new variables: the new variables don’t have any dictionary information such as variable/value labels or formats. Second, a recoded variable is appended to the end of the file but I rather have it in its original position. Both problems are avoided by recoding into the same variables. However, […]
Understanding SPSS variable types and formats allows you to get things done fast and reliably. Getting a grip on types and formats is not hard if you ignore the very confusing information under variable view. This tutorial takes away the confusion and puts you back in control. We encourage you to follow along with this tutorial by downloading and opening computer_parts. […]
Measurement levels refer to different types of variables that imply how to analyze them. Standard textbooks distinguish 4 such measurement levels or variable types. From low to high, these are nominal variables; ordinal variables; interval variables; ratio variables. The “higher” the measurement level, the more information a variable holds. The simple flowchart below shows how […]
