Database categorization dialog box
Use the Database Categorization dialog box to create derived categorical variables (as database variables cannot be used directly in table definitions, filters, and tabulation).
To open the Database Categorization dialog box
Select the appropriate variables and choose Variables > Categorize > Database from the menu.
Categorize
Provides options for selecting how derived variables are created for database variables.
Categorize all database variables
When selected, derived variables are created for all database variables.
Categorize selected database variables
When selected, derived variables are only created for selected database variables. This is the default setting.
Variable creation
Provides options for defining variable creation behavior.
▪Update existing variables. When selected, new categorical variables are created for database variables that have no derived variables. All database variables that have derived variables are also updated. This is the default setting.
▪Create new variables. When selected, new categorical variables are created for database variables regardless of whether or not the database variables already have derived variables.
Fields on the Database Categorization dialog box
After defining the appropriate settings for each database variable, clicking OK will create the necessary derived variables.
Selected variables
Lists the database variables currently selected for categorization. Selecting a variable from the list will display that variable's defined settings under the Options section.
New variable name
Displays the new derived categorical variable name for the selected database variable. You cannot specify a new name if you selected the Update existing variables option.
Maximum number of categories
When selected, this user defined setting limits the number of categories generated for each variable.
Generate the "Other" category for any other uncategorized data
When selected, an "Other" directory is created to include any data not included in the generated categories. This option is not limited by the value defined for Maximum number of categories.
Treat empty values as
▪Not asked (NULL). When selected, empty and null values are ignored from base.
▪User-missing category. When selected, a category is created for empty and null values, allowing users to set a category label.
See also