This document discusses how to use SPSS to compute a new variable called "PARTICPN" by summing the values of existing variables p1, p2, p3, p4, and p5. It provides step-by-step instructions for opening the Transform > Compute dialog box, typing the name of the new target variable, selecting the existing variables to sum, choosing the operator (+), and executing the computation to create the new "PARTICPN" variable containing the summed scores.

1. USING SPSS TRANSFORMING DATA (COMPUTE – 2 nd METHOD)

2. Transform Compute

3. Transform  Compute This is to compute (i.e. creating) a new variable from the existing variables in the data file. A new variable “Participation” from the variables p1, p2, p3, p4, and p5 is to be created. (Assuming items “p1 – p5” represent participation in decision-making) Since SPSS allows a maximum of eight characters for a variable name, we are going to use “PARTICPN” for “Participation”. The following slides will explain how to compute this variable.

4. Transform  Compute Dialog Box Type “PARTICPN” in the Target Variable box

5. 1. PARTICPN has been typed here 2. Press the “Type & Label” button 3. You can “label” the new variable or “Use expression as label” 4. Press “Continue” to proceed

6. 1. Highlight variable “p1” 2. Press this button

7. Variable “p1 is sent to the “Numeric Expression” box Choose the sign here, in this example the “+” sign is chosen

8. The “+” sign

9. 1. Highlight “p2” 2. Press this button 3. “p2”

11. p1 + p2 + p3 + p4 + p5 Press “OK” to execute

12. The new variable “PARTICPN” has been created. These are the scores of “PARTICPN” for the respondents