USING SPSS

TRANSFORMING DATA

(COMPUTE – 2nd METHOD)

Transform Compute

Transform Compute

This is to compute (i.e. creating) a new variable from the existing variables in the data file.

A new variable “Participation” from the variables p1, p2, p3, p4, and p5 is to be created.

(Assuming items “p1 – p5” represent participation in decision-making)

Since SPSS allows a maximum of eight characters for a variable name, we are going to use “PARTICPN” for “Participation”.

The following slides will explain how to compute this variable.

Transform Compute Dialog Box

Type “PARTICPN” in the Target Variable box

1. PARTICPN has been typed here

2. Press the “Type & Label” button

3. You can “label” the new variable or “Use expression as label”

4. Press “Continue” to proceed

1. Highlight variable “p1” 2. Press this button

Variable “p1 is sent to the “Numeric Expression” box

Choose the sign here, in this example the “+” sign is chosen

The “+” sign

1. Highlight “p2” 2. Press this button 3. “p2”

Repeat the process until all the required variables are selected, and the final Numeric Expression” is in the following form:

p1 + p2 + p3 + p4 + p5

p1 + p2 + p3 + p4 + p5

Press “OK” to execute

The new variable “PARTICPN” has been created.

These are the scores of “PARTICPN” for the respondents