Topic 2: D – Computing New Variables

Video (4:30)

The following video illustrates how to compute new variables from other variables in our dataset. In practice this could range from a simple conversion of units to a complex calculation involving the values of numerous variables.

• All Available Transcripts – SPSS Tutorials

• DATASET USED:
  • PULSE_STEP3.SAV

• SPSS DATASET CREATED:
  • PULSE_STEP4.SAV

• Menus and Steps Used:
  • Double-click on the SPSS dataset (STEP3) to open SPSS with that data loaded
  • Go to the TRANSFORM – COMPUTE VARIABLE
    • Enter the name of the new variable in the TARGET VARIABLE box
    • Create the correct calculation in the numeric expression area by either typing in the equation or using the menus available in the tool. Click OK when finished.
    • Check the results by viewing the data and likely some exploratory data analysis
  • Save changes to your SPSS dataset using File – Save or by closing SPSS and following the prompts. We save the result as STEP4

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This document is linked from our main SPSS page under Software.