Training

SPSS can access multiple data files simultaneously. Along with the added functionality of this new feature comes the responsibility of managing those files. It is a good idea to get into the habit of checking which dataset is active before running an analysis.

Figure 1: A green cross signifies the windows with active data sets.
(Click to enlarge)

As you can see above, the Cars.sav dataset is the active dataset and Output2 is the active output window. The green cross indicates the active windows. A simple way to change the active dataset is to select it from the files at the bottom of the screen. If, for example, we wanted to switch from the Cars.sav file to the Carpet.sav file, we could simply click on Carpet.sav and it would become the active window as shown below.As you can see above, the Cars.sav dataset is the active dataset and Output2 is the active output window. The green cross indicates the active windows. A simple way to change the active dataset is to select it from the files at the bottom of the screen. If, for example, we wanted to switch from the Cars.sav file to the Carpet.sav file, we could simply click on Carpet.sav and it would become the active window as shown below.

Figure 2: Clicking on Carpet.sav makes it a newly active window.
(Click to enlarge)

The same procedure also applies to multiple output files and multiple syntax files. The simple tip here is to check which data file is the active data file before running an analysis. It takes a bit of practice for the experienced SPSS user to become accustomed to multiple datasets. However, the more you practice this skill, the easier it becomes. Before you know it, you'll be using multiple data files with no effort at all.