SPSSX Discussion

Issue Merging Files: data is not brought over

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Sarah Campbell

Issue Merging Files: data is not brought over

When I try to merge files using my SPSS version 21, variable names are
brought over to the new file; however, the data associated with the variables
is not. (Or in some instances, SPSS brings over data for one or two cases out
of 60.) Here is the process I have been using to merge:

1. Sort both files ascending on the variable I am merging on (ParticipantID).
2. In the SPSS menu, select Data/Merge Files/Add Variables.
3. ParticipantID shows up in the 'Excluded Variables' list. Select the key
variable (ParticipantID) from the 'Excluded Variables' list, check the 'Match
cases on key variables in sorted files' checkbox, select the 'Both files
provide cases' radio button, press the right arrow button next to the 'Key
Variables:' list box, and click OK.

The files merge correctly in SPSS version 20 on another computer, so it's my
belief that this is due to a software issue with my version 21. Any help
would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Sarah

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Rick Oliver-3

Re: Issue Merging Files: data is not brought over

Instead of clicking OK, click Paste. Does it generate STAR JOIN or MATCH FILES command syntax?

Rick Oliver
Senior Information Developer
IBM Business Analytics (SPSS)
E-mail: [hidden email]

From: Sarah <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email],
Date: 03/24/2014 02:22 PM
Subject: Issue Merging Files: data is not brought over
Sent by: "SPSSX(r) Discussion" <[hidden email]>

When I try to merge files using my SPSS version 21, variable names are brought over to the new file; however, the data associated with the variables is not. (Or in some instances, SPSS brings over data for one or two cases out of 60.) Here is the process I have been using to merge: 1. Sort both files ascending on the variable I am merging on (ParticipantID). 2. In the SPSS menu, select Data/Merge Files/Add Variables. 3. ParticipantID shows up in the 'Excluded Variables' list. Select the key variable (ParticipantID) from the 'Excluded Variables' list, check the 'Match cases on key variables in sorted files' checkbox, select the 'Both files provide cases' radio button, press the right arrow button next to the 'Key Variables:' list box, and click OK. The files merge correctly in SPSS version 20 on another computer, so it's my belief that this is due to a software issue with my version 21. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! Sarah ===================== To manage your subscription to SPSSX-L, send a message to [hidden email] (not to SPSSX-L), with no body text except the command. To leave the list, send the command SIGNOFF SPSSX-L For a list of commands to manage subscriptions, send the command INFO REFCARD

Sarah Campbell

Re: Issue Merging Files: data is not brought over

Hi Rick,

When I click paste instead of okay, it generates STAR JOIN syntax.

Sarah Campbell, B.A.

Research Coordinator
Pacific Research & Evaluation :: Portland Office
503.595.3970 :: direct

Portland | Atlanta | Washington, DC

www.pacific-research.org
503.595.3970 :: phone

503.595.3974 :: fax

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On Mon, Mar 24, 2014 at 12:29 PM, Rick Oliver <[hidden email]> wrote:

Instead of clicking OK, click Paste. Does it generate STAR JOIN or MATCH FILES command syntax?

Rick Oliver
Senior Information Developer
IBM Business Analytics (SPSS)
E-mail: [hidden email]

From: Sarah <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email],
Date: 03/24/2014 02:22 PM
Subject: Issue Merging Files: data is not brought over
Sent by: "SPSSX(r) Discussion" <[hidden email]>

When I try to merge files using my SPSS version 21, variable names are brought over to the new file; however, the data associated with the variables is not. (Or in some instances, SPSS brings over data for one or two cases out of 60.) Here is the process I have been using to merge: 1. Sort both files ascending on the variable I am merging on (ParticipantID). 2. In the SPSS menu, select Data/Merge Files/Add Variables. 3. ParticipantID shows up in the 'Excluded Variables' list. Select the key variable (ParticipantID) from the 'Excluded Variables' list, check the 'Match cases on key variables in sorted files' checkbox, select the 'Both files provide cases' radio button, press the right arrow button next to the 'Key Variables:' list box, and click OK. The files merge correctly in SPSS version 20 on another computer, so it's my belief that this is due to a software issue with my version 21. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! Sarah ===================== To manage your subscription to SPSSX-L, send a message to [hidden email] (not to SPSSX-L), with no body text except the command. To leave the list, send the command SIGNOFF SPSSX-L For a list of commands to manage subscriptions, send the command INFO REFCARD

Rick Oliver-3

Re: Issue Merging Files: data is not brought over

That is probably the source of the problem. This may have been corrected in a fix pack. So you may want to check to see if you have the latest fix pack.

Alternatively, you can write your own MATCH FILES syntax, since the files are sorted in the correct order.

Rick Oliver
Senior Information Developer
IBM Business Analytics (SPSS)
E-mail: [hidden email]

From: Sarah Campbell <[hidden email]>
To: Rick Oliver/Chicago/IBM@IBMUS,
Cc: [hidden email]
Date: 03/24/2014 02:54 PM
Subject: Re: Issue Merging Files: data is not brought over

Hi Rick,

When I click paste instead of okay, it generates STAR JOIN syntax.

Sarah Campbell, B.A.

Research Coordinator
Pacific Research & Evaluation :: Portland Office
503.595.3970 :: direct

Portland | Atlanta | Washington, DC
www.pacific-research.org
503.595.3970 :: phone
503.595.3974 :: fax

On Mon, Mar 24, 2014 at 12:29 PM, Rick Oliver <oliverr@...> wrote:
Instead of clicking OK, click Paste. Does it generate STAR JOIN or MATCH FILES command syntax?

Rick Oliver
Senior Information Developer
IBM Business Analytics (SPSS)
E-mail: oliverr@...

From: Sarah <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email],
Date: 03/24/2014 02:22 PM
Subject: Issue Merging Files: data is not brought over
Sent by: "SPSSX(r) Discussion" <[hidden email]>

When I try to merge files using my SPSS version 21, variable names are brought over to the new file; however, the data associated with the variables is not. (Or in some instances, SPSS brings over data for one or two cases out of 60.) Here is the process I have been using to merge: 1. Sort both files ascending on the variable I am merging on (ParticipantID). 2. In the SPSS menu, select Data/Merge Files/Add Variables. 3. ParticipantID shows up in the 'Excluded Variables' list. Select the key variable (ParticipantID) from the 'Excluded Variables' list, check the 'Match cases on key variables in sorted files' checkbox, select the 'Both files provide cases' radio button, press the right arrow button next to the 'Key Variables:' list box, and click OK. The files merge correctly in SPSS version 20 on another computer, so it's my belief that this is due to a software issue with my version 21. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! Sarah ===================== To manage your subscription to SPSSX-L, send a message toLISTSERV@...(not to SPSSX-L), with no body text except the command. To leave the list, send the command SIGNOFF SPSSX-L For a list of commands to manage subscriptions, send the command INFO REFCARD