User Guide

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Options
Transformation and Merge Options. Each time the program executes a command, it
reads the data file. Some data transformations (such as Compute and Recode) and file
transforma
tions (such as Add Variables and Add Cases) do not require a separate pass
of the data, and execution of these commands can be delayed until the program reads
the data to execute another command, such as a statistical procedure. For large data
files, sel
ect
Calculate values before used to delay execution and save processing time.
Display Fo
rmat for New Numeric Variables.
Controls the default display width and
number of decimal places for new numeric variables. There is no default display
format for new string variables. If a value is too large for the specified display format,
first deci
mal places are rounded and then values are converted to scientific notation.
Display formats do not affect internal data values. For example, the value 123456.78
may be rounded to 123457 for display, but the original unrounded value is used in
any calcu
lations.
Set Centu
ry Range for 2-Digit Years
. Defines the range of years for date-format
variables entered and/or displayed with a two-digit year (for example, 10/28/86,
29-OCT-87). The automatic range setting is based on the current year, beginning
69 years
prior to and ending 30 years after the current year (adding the current
year makes a total range of 100 years). For a custom range, the ending year is
automatically determined based on the value that you enter for the beginning year.
Random Number Generator. Two different random number generators are available:
 SPSS 12 Compatible. The random number generator used in SPSS 12 and previous
releases. If you need to reproduce randomized results generated in previous
releas
es based on a specified seed value, use this random number generator.
 Merse
nne Twister.
A newer random number generator that is more reliable for
simulation purposes. If reproducing randomized results from SPSS 12 or earlier
is not an issue, use this random number generator.
Curre
ncy Options
You c a
n create up to five custom currency display formats that can include special
prefix and suffix characters and special treatment for negative values.