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Overview

The Variable Update window defines a variable through four tabs:  Attributes, Pick List, Missing Values, Layout.

Content

The Attributes tab is required to be completed and contains the following fields:

  • Name*:  The name of the variable.  When the name is entered, the Data Entry Prompt and Code pre-fill with the same data

    In SPSS the Variable Name is called Variable Label

  • Description:  An optional description for the variable
  • Data Entry Prompt:  The text that is shown for the question during data entry
  • Answer Suffix:  Optional text that will be placed after the answer

    The Answer Suffix is typically used for units

  • Code*  An identifier for the variable that must be unique within the project.  The Code is used to identify a variable in Numeric Calculations and Dependencies.

     In SPSS the Variable code is called Variable Name 

  • Variable Type*:  There are 10 distinct variable types.  Each variable type will either show or hide additional attributes unique to them, as well as enable/disable variable update tabs.
    • Checkbox: Value is stored as either 0 (checked) or 1 (checked)

      A "Checkbox" variable ALWAYS contains a value (0 = "Not Checked", 1 = "Checked").  Rarely should be used and only in the context were the default value of "0" is valid.  Suggested alternative is to use a coded numeric value (0 = "No", 1 = "Yes") without a default value since such a variable will be null unless "No" or "Yes" is chosen.  That way user can tell the difference between 3 states, No, Yes, not entered.  To minimize data entry burden (e.g., checking a lot of "No" for medical history of cardiac disease, etc.), a button can be inserted on the page that when manually checked inserts on the default values across any number of variables (see image below, contact support for help).  Subject data entry is a reasonable exception for the use of checkboxes, although assumes the subjects "See" every checkbox.
      If "Assign Defaults" box checked, a "No" is automatically entered for each "Yes/No" question on the form.


    • Date: Date is stored as mm/dd/yyyy

      An international date format ( dd/mm/yyyy ) can be used (i.e., from the Customer Update page in the "System Administation" area)


    • Document: Upload and store a file (default maximum size of 5MB)
    • Memo: An unlimited text field (Note: this field is not audited)
    • Numeric: A number field, can include decimals
    • Numeric Calculation: A numeric expression used to determine value, can contain any variable(s) within the given Variable Group 

      For more information regarding writing expressions and user defined functions please refer to Commonly Used JavaScript Functions.


    • Pick List:  Coded numeric variable ("Number" = "Text"; number can contain decimals) entered using a drop down list (e.g., 1 = "Low", 2 = "Other").
    • Radio Button (Horizontal): Coded numeric variable ("Number" = "Text"; number can contain decimals) entered using horizontal radio buttons (e.g., 1 = "Low", 2 = "Other").  
    • Radio Button (Vertical): Coded numeric variable ("Number" = "Text"; number can contain decimals) entered using vertical radio buttons (e.g., 1 = "Low", 2 = "Other").  
    • Text:  Text field with specified number of characters (maximum characters = 256)
  • Default*: When available, a default numeric or text value can be entered as the default value for the variable
  • Minimum/Maximum*: Available for Date and Numeric variables - allows a lower and upper limit to to be set for the variable.  During data entry, a warning is highlighted in the field to alert that the limits have been exceeded
  • Number of Lines*: Available for Memo and Text variables - designates how many vertical lines of space is VISIBLE ON THE FORM for this variable

    Does NOT determine the length of characters available to the variable.  (See Length below)

  • Length*: Available only for text variables - Determines the number of characters available to the variable.  The max characters allowed is 255
  • Required*: Defines whether a variable required for data completion status.  Options are (1) No  (2) Yes, Can be null  (3) Yes, Can NOT be null
    • No: Data completion status is NOT dependent on this variable being populated with a value (or) null
    • Yes, Can be null: Data completion status is dependent on this variable being populated.  A Null value would allow for completion
    • Yes, Can NOT be null: Data completion status is dependent on this variable being populated.  A Null value would NOT be acceptable for completion
  • Active*: When unchecked, the variable is not available for data entry.
  • Exportable*: When unchecked, the variable is not available for data export via Data Sets.
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