Data problem when using <specify>

[jarvis24]

On certain variables, we already have numerical values in our SPSS data set. On these questions, we also have other <specify> as a response option. We are finding that when participants select this option, Media Lab reports there is an error because there is text in the answer. When we check the SPSS file, the data is missing. I think it may be related to the fact that the variable is coded as a numerical values, but these new data are actually string because of the text.

How do we retrieve the missing data? How can we fix this problem so Media Lab can collect both numerical and string data on the same variable?

[jarvis24]

If you are going to use the specify option, you should opt to have the variable saved as text rather than numeric. Problem is that if you don't do this from the start, SPSS will get angry when you all of a sudden change it or try to write a text variable to a numeric data column. Easiest fix for that is to backup your data and start fresh by clearing the data folder--you can then merge the old and new files later on. Those text responses should be found in any of the text or csv formatted data files.

See also: http://www.empirisoft.com/support/showthread.php?p=490

Hope that helps,
Blair