Unit 5 Using Recode and Compute functions in SPSS
Objectives
To successfully complete this learning unit, you will be expected to:
1.
Use recode commands.
2.
Reverse the recoding of variables.
3.
Use compute commands.
Learning Activities
u05s1 Studies
Readings
Use your SPSS Essentials: Managing and Analyzing Social Sciences Data text to complete the following:
Chapter 6, "Manipulating Your Data," pages 5370. Be sure to look for important information on how to
use the RECODE command to change the values of variables in SPSS.
Modifying Variables with Recode Command
Modifying Variables with RECODE
Launch Presentation |
Transcript
This presentation demonstrates how to use the Recode command through the menu. The example uses a string
variable (letters), but we will be using integers in this unit. The principle is the same, but you should always remember
to select "Output variables are strings" if you are creating the new values in a string or character variable.
Modifying Variables with Compute Command
Modifying Variables with COMPUTE
Launch Presentation |
Transcript
This presentation shows the use of the Compute command through menus.
u05d1 Recoding Variables in SPSS
Sometimes it is necessary to recode into the same variable name. Usually, it is best to be sure the old values can be
recovered in some way if necessary. In some situations, the recoding can be reversed (the new values can be
recoded back into the old values if the analyst simply keeps a record of the relationship between the old and new
values). In other situations, reversing the recode is impossible, even if the analyst knows the relationship between the
old and new values.
Describe what causes the latter situation, and give an example of a recode where it would be impossible to recover
the old values even if the researchers remembers the relationship between the old and new values.
Response Guidelines
Read the posts of the other learners and respond to at least two by analyzing the situations they describe. Do you
agree with the conclusions they draw? Why or why not?
Resources
Attributes and Evaluation of Discussion Contributions.
Professional Communications and Writing Guide.
u05a1 Recode Variables and Compute a New Variable
Create a new subdirectory in your psy7615 directory named Unit5.
Download the data file unit_5.xls from the Resources, and import it into SPSS.
Use the RECODE command to accomplish the following tasks.
1.
Using RECODE, create a new variable named ETHNEW from the existing variable ETHNIC. Recode
the ETHNIC values into the new variable ETHNEW according to the table below. For example,
European Americans are coded as 1 in the ETHNIC variable, but the ETHNEW value should be 3:
ETHNIC
ETHNEW
1 = European American.
1 = Native American.
2 = African American.
2 = two or more.
ETHNIC
ETHNEW
3 = Native American.
3 = European American.
4 = Asian/Pacific Islander.
4 = Asian/Pacific Islander.
5 = two or more.
5 = African American.
6 = other.
6 = other.
2.
Change the existing code values for the variable GENDER. The code values for gender in the
supplied data file are male=1 and female=0. Change the values of the GENDER variable so
thatfemale=1 and male=2.
3.
The data file unit_5.xls also contains two variables named test1 and test2. Use
the COMPUTE command to create a new variable named TOTAL which is the sum of the two
variables test1 andtest2.
4.
Save the file as unit_5.sav in a subfolder named Unit5 within your psy7615 directory. The file should
include the new ETHNEW and TOTAL variables, as well as the modified values of
the GENDERvariable.
5.
Submit the modified unit_5.sav file by attaching it in the assignment area.
Resources
Recode Variables and Compute a New Variable Scoring Guide.
"unit_5.xls"
