SPSS designates a separate ‘data window’ that appears once data is either downloaded or inputted manually. The data window has the name of the dataset on the very top left corner to let you know what dataset it is, if you are working with multiple.
There are two types of ways to view data in SPSS and these can be changed using the “Data View” and “Variable View” tabs on the very bottom left of the window.
The “Data View” tab shows the variables in columns and each observation in rows, which is most useful to look at the actual values presented in the dataset.
In “Variable View”, SPSS shows each variable as rows and has a series of columns with more information about the variable such as “Name”, “Type”, and the “Label” given.
Researchers often switch back and forth between “Data View” and “Variable View” when conducting analysis as a handy way to look at the data. If I am working with a dataset with many variables, I often use the “Variable View” option.
Below is the SYNTAX for viewing a dataset “SLID”.
This SYNTAX will bring the data window to the front of the screen.
SYNTAX
Output
