Variables and arrays
There are three types of variable: data, integer and real, each used for storing different types of information. You can create your own variables with names representing the type of information stored (for example, the variable called meals might contain a count of the number of meals eaten during the day) or you can use the ones offered by Quantum.
Sometimes, it is useful for a group of variables to have the same name. Each variable can then be addressed by its position in the group. This arrangement is known as an array. Arrays are discussed further in the following sections.
Note There is an additional type of variable, called a
data-mapped, or
mapvar, variable. These variables can be used to store the answers to questions, both numerical and categorical and are typically used in conjunction with one or more data-mapping file. This enables Quantum specs to be written without needing column and code information. Only the
qdi mapping file format is supported. Quancept CATI, Quancept CAPI and Quancept Web all produce a
qdi file that can be used as a data-mapping file. For details of data-mapped variables, see
Data-mapped variables.
See
See also