SPSS® 12.0 Command Syntax Reference

WEIGHT
WEIGHT {BY varname}
{OFF }
Example
WEIGHT BY V1.
FREQUENCIES VAR=V2.
Overview
WEIGHT gives cases different weights (by simulated replication) for statistical analysis.
WEIGHT can be used to weight a sample up to population size for reporting purposes or to
replicate an example from a table or other aggregated data (see p. 328 for an example). With
WEIGHT, you can arithmetically alter the sample size or its distribution.
To apply weights resulting from your sampling design, see the Complex Samples option.
Basic Specification
The basic specification is keyword BY followed by the name of the weight variable. Cases
are weighted according to the values of the specified variable.
Syntax Rules
• Only one numeric variable can be specified. The variable can be a precoded weighting
variable, or it can be computed with the transformation language.
• WEIGHT cannot be placed within a FILE TYPE—END FILE TYPE or INPUT PROGRAM—
END INPUT PROGRAM structure. It can be placed nearly anywhere following these
commands in a transformation program. See Appendix A for a discussion of the program
states and the placement of commands.
Operations
• Unlike most transformations, WEIGHT takes effect as soon as it is encountered in the
command sequence. Thus, special attention should be paid to its position among
commands (see “Command Order” on p. 8 in Volume I).
• Weighting is permanent during a session unless it is preceded by a TEMPORARY
command, changed by another WEIGHT command, or turned off with the WEIGHT OFF
specification.
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