SPSS For Dummies®, 2nd Edition

Chapter 4. Entering Data from the Keyboard

In This Chapter

• Considering your choices when defining a variable

• Defining variables

• Entering numbers

• Making sure that you're using the right measurement type

To process your data, you have to get it into the computer. Entering data is always difficult; it has been a problem with computers since the beginning. No matter how you decide to get your numbers into SPSS, at some point someone has to type them (unless they come from some form of automatic monitoring). SPSS can read data from other places. You can also type directly into SPSS — and, if you want, copy the data to places other than SPSS later.

Entering data into SPSS is a two-step process: First you define what sort of data you will be entering, and then you enter the actual numbers. This may sound difficult, but it isn't so bad. When you see how data entry works in SPSS, you'll discover you have some pretty nifty software to help you.

You organize your data into cases. Each case is made up of a collection of variables. First, you define the characteristics of the variables that make up a case, and then you enter the data into the variables to make up the contents of the cases. This chapter shows you how to work with this technique of getting data into your system.

The Variable View Is for Entering Variable Definitions

You use the Variable View, shown in Figure 4-1, to define the names and characteristics of variables. This is where you always start if you plan on entering data into SPSS. ...