Data Entry

The very first step to do on SPSS after obtaining all desired data from a source like survey or questionnaire, we need to match the data entry from the source to SPSS.

STEP 1

Naming of Variable

• In the Variable View tab, list down all related variables without using illegal characters (e.g. @,#,&,*) including spacing and variable name with too long characters.

• Alphabets and numbers (alphanumeric) can be used to name the variables.
• The variables should be short but precise and understandable.
• If we did not name the specific variable, SPSS will use the default variable name: VAR00001, VAR00002, VAR00003, and so on. 

Naming the variables

STEP 2 

• Switch to Data View tab, then insert the data that matches with the source (e.g. survey/scale/questionnaire) under its respective variables. 
• To make the data more organized, write a number on each questionnaire representing the ID of each participant. By doing so, the data will be easily traceable if there is any error detected.
• Each questionnaire/scale has different way of scoring and interpreting data. To evaluate the scores and insert into the data, we should refer to the scoring guidelines of that particular scale. 

Below are the examples of the data that I've entered from the scale's data into SPSS' Data View tab.

 

 

 

Scoring and Interpretation Guidelines

STEP 3

Variables

• In the Variable View tab, adjust the attributes or characteristics of the variables by making modifications in the relevant columns. 

• This ensures the data to be presented in an organized and neat arrangement.  

Type        The usual choice is Numeric. Others include Scientific Notation and String (nominal variable).

Width       To restrict how many digits will be used. (e.g. for "100", the Width should be "3")

Decimals   To determine how many decimal places will be used. '0' decimal places can be used for variable like number of children.

Label         To further detail the limited variable name to be more meaningful. Illegal characters may be included.

Values       To assign a value to a nominal or ordinal variables. (e.g. 1=Male, 2=Female)

Insert a Value -> Insert the Label -> Click "Add" -> Click "OK"

Missing      To specify missing values from the data to obtain more accurate result. Missing value should be stated in the "Discrete missing values" box with a number which is obviously different with the scores of the data. (e.g. use "99" to a data with 5-point Likert scale)

Columns     To reduce screen space and make the data looks more neat by adjusting the width of a particular column.

Align          To modify the alignment of the data whether to be at right, left, or center.

Measure     To specify the scale of measurement of a variable whether it is ordinal, nominal, or scale (interval and ratio).