Introduction to SPSS

7. Part V: Modifying your data

7.1. Compute a new variable

First, let’s compute a new variable, BMI, from weight and height [Note: BMI = weight/height2]:

1. Compute a new variable, heightm (height in metres)

compute heightm=height/100.

execute.

  

2. We should check our newly created variable heightm – how should we do this?

 

3. Compute another new variable, BMI:

compute bmi=weight/height**2.

execute.

[Note: exponentiations are denoted as ** in SPSS]

 

4. Check your new variable, BMI – how ??