Recalculating Variables

The values in recoded variables are not updated automatically as response data is added to the Survey; the values must be calculated and updated as a specific operation. You can perform this task manually as required when respondents complete the survey, or you can set the variable calculation to run automatically as a recurring task.

Note: From Version 16 you will no longer be able to launch a survey that includes legacy recoded variables. Existing surveys that include previously-calculated legacy recoded variables will still be available in Reportal, but it will not be possible to calculate values for new responses, or re-launch the survey as it is; you must convert the legacy recoded variables to new recoded variables (go to Converting Legacy Recoded Variables for more information).

1. Go to the Reporting > Calculate Variables menu command.

The Calculate variables overlay opens .



Figure 1 - Calculating the Variables

The fields and options are as follows:

• Active Database - the currently selected database. Use the selection box in the lower right corner of the window to change this as necessary.
• Respondents - choose whether you want to calculate variables for All respondents, Uncalculated respondents, or only New respondents.
• Status - choose whether you want to calculate variables for respondents with the status Complete, Incomplete or All.
• All Variables - if you do not wish to update all the variables, uncheck this box to open a text field where you can input the variables that are to be updated.
• Start time - select the start time for the batch job: ASAP or Schedule for later execution.
2. Make the appropriate settings and click Calculate variables. If you have selected Schedule for later execution, the Task Recurrence page then opens. In this case, make the settings as required and click Save.