Recoding Variables Screenshot Tutorial

Note that Major is a character or string variable. In order to run statistics beyond frequencies with that variable, it will need to be recoded as a numeric variable.

In order to recode the variable, click on Transform -- Recode into Different Variables. You also have the option to "Recode into Same Variables". However, it is easier to make a mistake and change your data permanently with that option.

When you choose to Recode into Different Variables, the above window will appear. Click on the variable you wish to recode. In this case, Degree Major. Then click the arrow to move the variable in to the Input_Variable -- Output Variable box.

In the Output Variable section of the window, provide a name and label for your new variable. Click "Change".

Click on the Old and New Values button.

There is an Old Value section and a New Value section of this window. For our purposes, we are simply recoding character/string values to numeric. Reverse coding or collapsing a numeric range can be done in this window as well.

Type in the Old and New values. Click Add.

After recoding all of the values, click Continue.

Click OK.

Note the new variable on the far right -- MajorR.

Note the new variable in variable view as well. Click on the small box with three dots to the right of the word None under the Value column.

You can now enter the values and labels for your newly recoded variable.

Click OK. Your variable is now ready to be used in analysis. To check your work. Run Frequencies.

For additional questions or assistance, contact Tina Ughrin.