Recoding into the Same or Different Variables

This page is written for SPSS users, who are trying to replicate the SPSS features of Transform > Recoding into Same Variables or Transform > Recoding into Different Variables.

Key differences between SPSS and Q with recoding

• In SPSS, values determine both how means are computed and how percentages are computed on tables. In Q, however, recoding values does not have any impact on the percentages on tables. If you wish to merge categories on tables, this is done in Q by either:
  • Dragging and dropping.
  • Automate > Browse Online Library and selecting an appropriate Rule or QScript.
  • Creating your own custom rules and QScripts.
• When you recode data in Q, all calculations and other variables automatically update to reflect the changed values.

How to recode in Q

• To achieve the outcomes obtained from SPSS when using Transform > Recoding into Same Variables, see How to Recode Numeric Data.
• To achieve the outcomes obtained from SPSS when using Transform > Recoding into Different Variables, see How to Recode Into a New Variable.
• To use automated tools for recoding, use Automate > Browse Online Library > Create New Variables.

Alternatives to syntax

While it is possible to create a QScript to perform the recoding in a way similar to SPSS Syntax, in general it is faster and easier to either:

• On the Variables and Questions tab, select multiple variables at the same time and recode them together.
• Change one question and then use Modify Data - Use Question as Template for Modifying Other Questions to change similar questions.
• Use Automate > Browse Online Library > Create New Variables.