How to Develop a Codebook in SPSS Or Manually in a Word Processing Program

How to Develop a Codebook in SPSS or Manually in a Word Processing Program

In SPSS

The easiest way to create a very good codebook for your data is to develop it in SPSS. To do this takes three easy steps.

1. Open your SPSS data file.

2. Select the File option from the SPSS main toolbar.

3. Select Display Data File Information from the menu and then select Working File

4. You are DONE!

Examine how much information is available in your SPSS output file. The output tells you the variable name, the variable label, the column position of each variable in the data file, the variable values assigned and value labels, the format of the cell, any values specified for missing data, and how you have defined the data as either nominal, ordinal, or scale. Basically, all of the information you took the time to enter when you set up the data file is presented to you in the SPSS output. This makes a great codebook in my opinion.

Manual Creation of the Codebook

You may choose to create a codebook from scratch using a word processing program. This can be a tedious task if you have many variables in your database. Essential information you should include in your codebook consists of variable name, variable label, variable values and value labels, codes for missing data, and any special instructions for formatting (e.g., date or currency variables).

An Alternative to SPSS or Manual Creation

If you have an electronic copy of your questionnaire or interview schedule you can make a codebook fairly easily. To do this write or type the variable name beside each question stem and add the variable values beside the corresponding response options (unless they are continuous variables). As a general rule you should avoid placing any coding instructions on self-administered questionnaires as it may confuse or distract the respondent.

Research for Effective Social Work Practice by Judy L. Krysik and Jerry Finn