I have a variable that is nominal string data, i.e. male and female. I have then added values 1 for male and 2 for female. But then, variable from string to numeric, the nominal data in data view disappears. It just shows up as a blank. In other words, the data requires a manual keying back using a drop-down menu showing male and female. It is okay if there is only a small number of rows but not when there are thousands. Does anyone know how to copy and paste the data back in, please?

o automatically recode variables:

1. Click Transform > Automatic Recode.
2. Select the string variable of interest in the left column and move it to the right column.
3. Enter a new name for the auto-recorded variable in the New Name field, then click Add New Name.
4. SPSS will assign numeric categories in alphabetical order.