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How to recode multiple variables at once

  • 1.  How to recode multiple variables at once

    Posted Wed June 10, 2020 12:08 PM

    I am new to SPSS. I'm trying to learn how to recode MULTIPLE variables at once (quickly/efficiently). All of these variables use the same 1-5 agreement scale (i.e. 5=strongly agree; 4=somewhat agree; 3=indifferent; 2=somewhat disagree; 1=strongly disagree). I want to combine the "5" and "4" into a general "agree", and 1-2 into "disagree" (3 would be left as is).

    I know that I can do this for each variable - but we have about 60 of them! I want to do a "blanket recode" for all these similar questions. I assume syntax is the best way but I've never used it before. PLEASE HELP! And please be as clear, basic and specific in your answers as possible - thank you!!



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    Oren Rappaport
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    #SPSSStatistics


  • 2.  RE: How to recode multiple variables at once

    IBM Champion
    Posted Wed June 10, 2020 01:15 PM
    You  can do this easily with syntax.  Here is an example from the Command Syntax Reference, which is accessible from the Help menu.

    RECODE V1 TO V3 (0=1) (1=0) (2=-1) INTO DEFENSE WELFARE HEALTH.

    Note that you can use TO to create new variables if you want.

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    Jon Peck
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