Creating a Derived Variable

Step 1: Select Derived Variable in the Data menu.

Step 2: Type the derived variable's name, then press Return/Enter or click OK.

Step 3: Type the formula that defines this derived variable. Be sure to place any variable name between single quotes. You may drag a variable's icon to the formula window as an alternative to typing its name. The name will appear between single quotes.

Step 4: Close the formula window -- Click on the window's close box, chose Close from the Data menu, or press Command-W (Mac).

Data Desk will check your formula and alert you if there is an error in it. The formula is at least syntactically correct if you do not receive an error alert.