Topic 2: D – Computing New Variables

Published: March 11th, 2015

Category: Learning Statistical Software, SPSS Info and Tutorials

CO-7: Use statistical software to analyze public health data.

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.

  • 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

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