This assumes that you have 5 levels and you have defined your missing values. Or if you do not want to create a new variable: Imagine that you wanted to tell your grandchildren about it.Ī simple way to recode a 5 point Likert scale is with this command, if you want to create a new variable RQ01 to contain the reverse coded Q01: When transforming data, it is useful to have a syntax file to point to later so you can show how you did the recoding. Then check the data entry by running FREQUENCIES (or DESCRIPTIVES with Min and Max) to make sure that your Likert items are in range. If missing data have values in your data coding, make sure that they are coded as missing.
#How to recode variables in spss 20 code
If you try to reverse code mentally, mistakes will occur. The best practice is to enter the data as they appear in the survey, without regard for which items are reverse coded. If using "Recode into Different Variables" option, name your new variable item1_reversed, or similar. You have to do it for EACH value in one take, or it recodes all your 5s into 1s, and when you go back later to recode your 1s into 5s, you have a value of "5" for both your original 5s and original 1s. Do this for EACH possible value, 1 2 3 4 5.
Under ‘Output Variable’ ‘Name’ type a name for the new variable (Ex: REDUC) 3. Select the variable EDUC and select the arrow to move it to the window 2. Enter the new values for each response (so, if Strongly Agree is "5", on a 5-point Likert scale, it is now "1", and so on). SPSS Command: Select Transform Recode Into Different Variable (to create new variable) 1. The second reverses the scores and includes them as an extra variable, so you have 2 columns per reversed item, one raw score, one reversed score.Īfter this, select the variable you need to recode. The former works for datasets you are coding in one take). Then, click on Transform => Recode into Same Variable OR Recode into Different Variables (whichever you like - I use the latter in case I've forgotten if I recoded something or not. This is safer and more efficient than you mentally reversing the scores for certain items and entering them as reversed - you might make a mistake along the way. Label your variables and enter your scores as normal, i.e., as if no items were reverse coded.