How to Add a New Attribute (i.e., add a new column)

Briefly

Look for <new> in a case table or in the Cases panel of an inspector and click there. You have to give the new attribute a name.

An attribute holds information about each case. When you have new information about your cases, you may need a new attribute to hold it. For example, if you have a collection of students, and you measure their heights, you probably need to make an attribute called height to put the data in. Also, if you want to calculate a new attribute from some old ones, you need a new attribute with a formula.

Method 1

1. Click the column heading marked <new> in the Case Table.

2. Type the name of the new attribute.

3. Press or or click elsewhere to finish.

Method 2

1. Bring up an Inspector by double-clicking in a collection or on a case icon..

2. Use the <new> spot to define a new attribute. Click it.

Note: this is the only way to define a measure.

Method 3

1. Be sure the case table is active.

2. Choose New Attribute… from the Data menu. A dialog box appears.

3. Type the name of the new attribute.

4. Click OK or press or to close the box.

Attribute Names

A name must start with a letter. Avoid spaces, punctuation, and mathematical symbols in your attribute name. Numbers and underscores are OK. So height_47 is fine, but 1221-Springer is not.