Deleting variables

You can delete variables that you have created using IBM® SPSS® Data Collection Survey Reporter. This permanently deletes them from the table document (.mtd) file, so before deleting a variable, ensure that you will not require it at a later date. If you delete a variable that you have already added to a table, the variable is deleted from the Variables pane but remains on the table until you specifically delete it from that table.

You can also delete variables that come from the survey data file. The variables are permanently deleted from the table document (.mtd) file. Note, however, that the variables are not deleted from the survey data file itself, so you can always return to the original variables by opening the file again using a new table document. If you edited the variable after opening the file, however, only the original variable will be available, not your edits.

An alternative method of removing a variable is to hide the variable so that it does not appear in the Variables pane. See the topic Hiding Variables for more information.

Deleting a variable

Select the variable in the Variables pane, and press the right mouse button.

From the context menu, choose Delete.

At the prompt, choose Yes.