6 Data Input and Output

Data are the focus of the PSPP language. Each datum belongs to a case (also called an observation). Each case represents an individual or “experimental unit”. For example, in the results of a survey, the names of the respondents, their sex, age, etc. and their responses are all data and the data pertaining to single respondent is a case. This chapter examines the PSPP commands for defining variables and reading and writing data.

Note: These commands tell PSPP how to read data, but the data will not actually be read until a procedure is executed.

• BEGIN DATA: Embed data within a syntax file.
• CLEAR TRANSFORMATIONS: Clear pending transformations.
• CLOSE FILE HANDLE: Close a file handle.
• DATA LIST: Fundamental data reading command.
• END CASE: Output the current case.
• END FILE: Terminate the current input program.
• FILE HANDLE: Support for special file formats.
• INPUT PROGRAM: Support for complex input programs.
• LIST: List cases in the active file.
• NEW FILE: Clear the active file and dictionary.
• PRINT: Display values in print formats.
• PRINT EJECT: Eject the current page then print.
• PRINT SPACE: Print blank lines.
• REREAD: Take another look at the previous input line.
• REPEATING DATA: Multiple cases on a single line.
• WRITE: Display values in write formats.