Computer Assignment
exercise. This is meant to give you some exposure to transforming data and visualizing
comparisons.
TASK 1: To learn how to transform data, Part I
New procedures found in SPSS Manual:
RECODE (Part II.1)
FREQUENCIES (Part III. 5)
Open up the CCES2012 SPSS data file as you did in the Trial Run.
A. Apply the WEIGHT to the file as you did before:
WEIGHT by WEIGHT.
B. Take the question that asks about how a respondent would deal with a budget deficit (V60).
RECODE that variable (V60) into a new variable V60A that combines:
• All categories that lean towards tax increases into a new category 1.
• Leaves 50/50 splitters alone as new category 2.
• All categories that lean towards budget cuts as new category 3.
RECODE V60 (0 thru 49=1)(50=2)(51 thru 100=3) into V60A.
See “INTO” examples, pp. 19-20 of the S P S S Manual.
D. Produce a FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION for your new variable along with a BAR CHART.
FREQUENCIES VARIABLES=V60A/PIECHART.
E. Rerun ‘D’ but separately for Californians and Utahans. You will need to use the following. State #6 is
California, state #49 is Utah:
TEMPORARY.
SELECT IF (STATE EQ 6).
FREQUENCIES VARIABLES=V60A/ PIECHART.
TEMPORARY.
SELECT IF (STATE EQ 49).
FREQUENCIES VARIABLES=V60A/ PIECHART.
G. Compare your frequencies and pie charts- the whole U.S., California only, Utah only.
Task 2:
Transfer all relevant information to a WORD document (see video for most efficient method, otherwise
follow the directions found in pages 82-84 of the SPSS Manual) with your commentary and answers to
questions. You can resize the bar charts to make them smaller in WORD.