In SPSS, how do I create binary or dummy variables from an existing string variable?

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When you have an existing string variable and want to create binary, or dummy, variables from it, use the COMPUTE command or RECODE with ELSE. Suppose a string variable internet has three values, Email, WWW, and SFTP:

COMPUTE email = (internet='Email'). COMPUTE www = (internet='WWW'). COMPUTE sftp = (internet='SFTP'). EXECUTE.

SPSS sets 1 to a new variable email if the value of internet is Email and 0 otherwise. The other dummy variables www and sftp are generated in the similar manner. Also, you may use RECODE as follows:

RECODE internet ('Email'=1) (ELSE=0) INTO email. RECODE internet ('WWW'=1) (ELSE=0) INTO www. RECODE internet ('SFTP'=1) (ELSE=0) INTO sftp. EXECUTE.

If there are missing values in the string variable, use these commands instead:

COMPUTE email = (internet='Email'). IF MISSING(internet) email=$SYSMIS. ... RECODE internet ('Email'=1) (MISSING=SYSMIS) (ELSE=0) INTO email. ...

For more about statistical and mathematical software, email the UITS Stat/Math Center, visit the center's web page, or phone 812-855-4724 (IUB) or 317-278-4740 (IUPUI). The center is located in Bloomington at 410 N. Park Avenue, and is open for consultation by appointment Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.

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Last modified on November 02, 2009.

In SPSS, how do I create binary or dummy variables from an existing string variable?

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