Introduction
Some basic data collection programs do not generate SPSS files in the .sav
format and instead generate a file with the extension .sps
. Q can convert the .sps
files into .sav files
As a fairly general rule it is preferable to have an .sav
file rather than an .sps
file as .sps
files are more likely to have been exported with errors (when these files are generated, there are generally fewer quality control processes in place).
This feature is intended to help users who receive .sps files and need to use their data in Q.
Method
- Select Tools > Convert .sps File to .sav….
Limitations
- We do not support string continuation on new lines.
- Limited command support. See below.
Allowed Syntax
This page does not attempt to document SPSS syntax, it only explains which portions of SPSS syntax should work with Q.
TITLE | Ignored. |
---|---|
comments | Ignored. |
NEW FILE | Ignored; a new file is always created. |
FILE HANDLE | Only MODE=CHARACTER supported. |
GET DATA | Only /TYPE=TXT supported. Only a single delimiter character supported for ARRANGEMENT=DELIMITED. |
FILE TYPE | Supported. |
RECORD TYPE | Supported. |
DATA LIST | Supported except the END subcommand. |
BEGIN DATA...END DATA | Supported. |
VARIABLE LABELS | Supported. |
VARIABLE LEVEL | Supported. |
VALUE LABELS | Supported. |
MRSETS | Supported except for /DISPLAY and /DELETE. |
DELETE VARIABLES | Supported. |
RENAME VARIABLES | Supported. |
data formats | All formats except: IB, PIBHEX, P, PIB, Z, PK, RB, RBHEX, AHEX, JDATE, DTIME, WKDAY, MONTH, MOYR, QYR, WKYR. |
CACHE | Ignored; not applicable. |
EXECUTE | Ignored; all scripts are automatically executed. |
NEXT
How to Format an SPSS File for Use in Q
How to Create SPSS Syntax Files for Use in Q
How to Convert Other Files Types into SPSS or CSV Data Files