User Guide

100
Chapter 6
All of these variable properties (and others) can be assigned in the Variable view of
the Data Editor. There are also several utilities that can assist you in this process:
 Define Variable Properties can help you define descriptive value labels and
missing values. This is particularly useful for categorical data with numeric
codes used f
or category values.
 Copy Data P
roperties
provides the ability to use an existing SPSS-format data file
as a template for file and variable properties in the current data file. This is
particularly useful if you frequently use external-format data files that contain
similar co
ntent (such as monthly reports in Excel format).
Defining Variable Properties
Define Variable Properties is designed to assist you in the process of creating
descripti
ve value labels for categorical (nominal, ordinal) variables. Define Variable
Properties:
 Scans the actual data values and lists all unique data values for each selected
variable
.
 Identif
ies unlabeled values and provides an “auto-label” feature.
 Provide
s the ability to copy defined value labels from another variable to the
selected variable or from the selected variable to multiple additional variables.
Note:Tou
se Define Variable Properties without first scanning cases, enter 0 for
the number of cases to scan.
To Define
Variable Properties
E From the
menus choose:
Data
Define Variable Properties...