syntax for converting from string to numeric?

[Shelley Martin]

Hi,

I have a large Microsoft Access database that I've imported into SPSS (v
9.0) using the database query function. I am generally very happy with
how the conversion takes place, with one exception: although almost all
the fields/variables are numeric, SPSS assigns them as string
variables. I am well aware that I can change the variables one by one
from string to numeric, using the "Define Variable" window and selecting
the appropriate radio buttons. However, I would like to write a simple
syntax routine that would convert the variables all in one fell swoop,
and I do NOT want to have to create a new set of variables to do this.

I've read online help and have pored over manuals and I can't figure out
if this is possible. I will be very grateful for any help anyone can
give me.

Shelley
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[sean_f...@my-deja.com]

hello,

if spss is importing numeric as string it could be possible that the
first row of data is a string within that column.

spss will use the first row's properties within a column to determine
the column properties when importing.

i do not know of any other hints, so good luck.

Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.

[Joel Wiesen]

A while ago someone posted this type of solution to this
list:

DATA LIST/ seqnum v1 to v3 1-4 (a).
BEGIN DATA
1292
3455
2379
END DATA.
LIST .

COMPUTE numvar=NUMBER(v3,F1).
MATCH FILES FILE=*
/KEEP seqnum v1 v2 numvar .
RENAME VARIABLES (numvar=v3) .
list.
EXE.

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[Russ916]

>hello,
>
>if spss is importing numeric as string it could be possible that the
>first row of data is a string within that column.
>
>spss will use the first row's properties within a column to determine
>the column properties when importing.

If you know the Variable is supposed to be numeric then you can:
rename (var = var1).
compute var = num(var1,F8.0).

Warning! if the numeric var has decimals then you have to declare it first.

rename (var = var1).
numeric var (F8.1).
compute var = num(var1,F8.0).
** it looks weird but it keeps SPSS from messing up the decimal conversion.

I hope this helps
Russ

[jferm...@gmail.com]

I know you posted this years ago, but I just wanted to let you know it saved me tons of time. I was trying to recode the darned things, all I need to do is delete the first case (truncated SurveyMonkey junk) from Excel before pulling it into SPSS. Thanks!

On Wednesday, December 1, 1999 at 1:00:00 AM UTC-7, sean_f...@my-deja.com wrote:
> hello,
>
> if spss is importing numeric as string it could be possible that the
> first row of data is a string within that column.
>
> spss will use the first row's properties within a column to determine
> the column properties when importing.
>