What types of files can be imported into SPSS?

Answer 1

SPSS is a versatile statistical software that allows for the import of a wide range of file types to accommodate different data formats. Some of the most commonly used file types that can be imported into SPSS include:

1. SPSS Data Files (.sav): These are native SPSS files that include both data and variable information, making them the easiest to import directly into SPSS.
2. Excel Files (.xls, .xlsx): SPSS can import data from Microsoft Excel files, provided that the data is formatted correctly (e.g., variable names in the first row and no merged cells).
3. Text Files (.txt, .csv): Delimited or fixed-width text files are commonly used for importing data. You can specify delimiters such as commas, tabs, or spaces during the import process.
4. Database Files (e.g., .mdb, .accdb): SPSS can connect to databases like Microsoft Access and SQL databases using ODBC connections, enabling data import directly from database files.
5. Stata Files (.dta): SPSS supports importing data from Stata, a statistical software widely used for data analysis.
6. SAS Files (.sas7bdat): Data from SAS, another statistical software, can also be imported into SPSS for analysis.
7. Delimited Data Files (.dat): Files with custom delimiters or formats can be imported by specifying the appropriate settings during the import process.
8. Google Sheets: With the latest SPSS versions, you can import data directly from Google Sheets by connecting to your Google account.

Each file type may require specific settings or adjustments during the import process to ensure the data is formatted correctly for analysis in SPSS. Always double-check variable types, missing values, and labels after importing to confirm the data was transferred accurately. I hope you found this information to be helpful! If you have any additional questions, please let me know.

Take care,

Dr. Christal-Joy Turner

SPSS User & Data Analysis Expert