Defining Variables

1.       Before entering data for analysis, all variables must be defined. Variable definition is accomplished in the Variable View screen. In the first column, you must Name your variables. The variable Name is limited to no more than eight characters and should not include spaces or arithmetic operators (+. -, *, /). Note that the first variable being defined is the independent variable. I have chose “iv” for the variable Name.

2.       The default variable type is Numeric. You may use this default for most analyses. The default for Width is 8. The default for Decimals is 2. You should use these defaults unless you have specific need for other values.

3.       The Label section allows for longer and more descriptive identifiers for variables. The label section is not limited to 8 characters and will allow for spaces and other characters.

4.       Note that Independent Variables have levels or Values in the case of SPSS terminology. By clicking on the Label cell (row) for the Independent variable, you may define the Value (a numeric value) that coincides with the Value label. To assign value labels, type in the numeric value followed by the Value Label and then click Add. Do this for each value before clicking on OK. Accept the defaults for Missing, Columns, and Align. However you will be required to assign a particular Measure in the last column. Under most circumstances, you will assign the independent variable as Nominal and the dependent variable as Scale.

5.   Repeat the steps for the dependent variable. However, you may omit the assignment of Values since the dependent may take on various values.

6.   Once all variables have been defined, click on Data View at the bottom of the screen.

Larry P. Wiley, Ph.D.

Department of Guidance and Counseling

Valdosta State University

Screen images from SPSS 11.0 for Windows. SPSS is a registered trademark of SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois.