Category: Methods

How to Add Frequencies as a Variable in SPSS

This post will cover how to add the number of times a certain response has been given for a variable (its frequency or count), and append this information to the data set as a new variable in SPSS. For example, say you have a list of names. Next to each name you’d like to add the number of times the name appears in the list. In SPSS, this information is easy to view with the “frequencies” dialogue, but how do you add it as a variable automatically?

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Doing Math in Qualtrics

Sometimes when creating surveys in Qualtrics you wish to do some kind of math on a respondent’s answer. This post outlines a simple way to do so using javascript.

The procedure involves three main components. First, there are the questions themselves. These are the responses you wish to do some math operations on. Second, there are embedded data variables. You create these variables in the survey flow, and they allow you to save the values you calculate for later use. For example, you could use them in the survey flow (branch logic) or display the values as piped text. Third, there is the javascript. The javascript reads the answers of the questions, performs the math, and saves the embedded data variables.

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Updated: Rank-Order Carry Forward in Qualtrics with Javascript

This post describes a method to ask future questions using the responses from a rank-order type question in Qualtrics. For example, if you wanted to have a respondent state relative preference between the second and third highest ranks obtained from the rank order.

Normally, to use the responses from a previous question in a subsequent one, the creator of a survey would use the “Carry Forward Items” capability built into Qualtrics. However, you’ll notice that, for some reason, the options are extremely limited as to which you can carry forward. This post describes a way in which you can use javascript to accomplish a similar functionality. It will address questions such as, “how do I carry forward rank-orders in Qualtrics?” or “is there a method to get answers to previous questions using javascript in Qualtrics?”

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