User Guide

187
Modifying Data
Values
Pasting a function into an expression. To paste a function into an expression:
E Position the cursor in the expression at the point where you want the function to
appear.
E Select the appropriate group from the Function group list. The group labeled All
provides a li
sting of all available functions and system variables.
E Double-cli
ck the function in the Functions and Special Variables list (or select the
function and click the arrow adjacent to the Function group list).
The function is inserted into the expression. If you highlight part of the expression
andtheninse
rt the function, the highlighted portion of the expression is used as the
first argument in the function.
Editing a function in an expression. The function is not complete until you enter the
arguments, represented by question marks in the pasted function. The number of
question ma
rks indicates the minimum number of arguments required to complete
the function.
E Highlight the question mark(s) in the pasted function.
E Enter the arguments. If the arguments are variable names, you can paste them from
the variable list.
Using Conditional Expressions
You can use conditional expressions (also called logical expressions) to apply
transformations to selected subsets of cases. A conditional expression returns a value
of true, fa
lse, or missing for each case. If the result of a conditional expression is
true, the transformation is applied to that case. If the result is false or missing, the
transformation is not applied to the case.
To specify a conditional expression:
E Click If in the Compute Variable dialog box. This opens the If Cases dialog box.