FW: [SPSSX-L] Computing with missing values

[Melissa Ives]

Let me know if you have any questions.

Melissa

-----Original Message-----
From: Melissa Ives
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 10:21 AM
To: 'Alina Sheyman'
Subject: RE: [SPSSX-L] Computing with missing values

Yes, just use a .# in the command.  For example, to sum v1 to v5 you
could say

Compute newvar=sum.1(v1 to v5).
This will compute the total as long as AT LEAST 1 valid response exists.
However, be careful since summing with missing values can be misleading.


To create a scale that acts like a sum of the original variables while
replacing missing values with the mean, we use the syntax:

Compute newscale=rnd(mean.3(v1 to v5)*5).
This requires that at least 3 of the responses have valid responses.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Melissa

-----Original Message-----
From: SPSSX(r) Discussion [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of
Alina Sheyman
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 10:10 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [SPSSX-L] Computing with missing values

I'm wondering if anyone can help me out with this issue. I'm trying to
create a new variable, by adding together five of  the existing ones.
The problem is that some of the existing variables contain missing
values. I'm wondering if there's any way to let SPSS know to skip the
missing values and add up all the other values.
I know there's a command DO IF MISSING, but it seems you would have to
specify - do if missing v1, do if missing v2, etc, etc. Is there an
easier way to do this?
any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Alina Sheyman, Family Office Exchange



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