Coding variables means assigning numerical values to represent qualitative or categorical responses. It is the bridge between human language and statistical insights in software like SPSS.
Start LearningRaw data is messy. Coding transforms qualitative responses into a structured format that machines can understand.
Statistical software like SPSS primarily analyzes numerical values. Text needs to be translated first.
Coded responses create standardized datasets, ensuring consistency across thousands of survey responses.
Numbers enable easier data sorting, filtering, and complex statistical analysis (regression, t-tests).
Common examples found in research surveys.
| Type | Example Question | Typical Coding Pattern |
|---|---|---|
|
Gender
|
Male, Female | 1 = Male 2 = Female |
|
Yes/No
|
Do you exercise regularly? | 1 = Yes 0 = No |
|
Education
|
High school, Bachelor’s, Master’s | 1 = HS 2 = BA 3 = MA |
|
Likert Scale
|
Strongly Disagree → Strongly Agree | 1 to 5 (or 1 to 7 depending on scale) |
This is where you define the architecture of your data.
gender, edu_level
Tell SPSS what the numbers mean.
Imagine you asked students: "What is your preferred learning mode?"
Click the buttons on the right to see how this translates into code for SPSS.
Survey Response
SPSS Data View Code
Select an option above