Reference Manual > Variables > Variable overview

A variable is similar to a question, but it is not asked; the answer to a variable is constructed from other entries.

Variables can be filtered so that not all respondents have an answer in the variable, see Filters.

To define a new variable, from the Main window, use [Insert] [Variable entry] or the toolbar button.

There are a number of ways to copy an entry to make a variable that refers back to the entry.

Variables must be positioned in the entry list after any entries they refer to. In practice most variables are usually placed at the end of the list of entries.

Variables are entered by making selections from the Entry details window.

See also Grid variable pair used for making Grid tables.

For each variable you must specify:

•Name, to identify the variable, for example VQ3, but not a reserved name

•Type of answer, for details see Variable types

•Data locations if the variable is to be stored in the raw data file (ASC)

•Text, to describe the variable contents

•Any filters to be applied to the variable

•Response list for single-coded and multi-coded variables, see Responses

There are some other settings that can be used on variables.

A group of variables that ask the same question for different subjects (elements) is called a Grid variable set.

Variables can be used in analysis and in definitions in exactly the same way as the equivalent question types.

If variables are referred to in a definition in a filter or another variable, then the position of the variable in the list of entries is important. The variable must appear in the entry list before any other entries that refer to it and after any entries to which the variable refers.

Variable contents are set by the program and recalculated whenever necessary.

Variable contents can optionally be stored in the raw data file (ASC). This is useful when exporting to SPSS and other programs.