Assigning a Preferred Weight to User-Defined Questions

 

If no preferred weight is assigned, all user-defined questions (UDQs) are accompanied by the dataset default, primary weight. When the UDQs are used, the dataset primary weight is applied automatically. It is still possible to run the UDQ with a different weight other than the default, by selecting a different weight in the crosstab query panel (if multiple weights are available in the dataset).

 

 

 

 

 

When creating UDQs, it is possible to specify a weight other than the dataset default weight to use with the UDQ.
This specified or “preferred” weight will become the new default weight for the UDQ.

 

To be able to assign a weight to a UDQ that is different from the default weight, the dataset(s) must include multiple weights.
In Reports, any additional available weights are referred to as alternative weights.

 

One way to confirm whether the dataset includes multiple weights is to refer to the screenshot above and check a question using the weight variable menu option.
If a dataset includes multiple weights, the additional weights will be listed under this menu.

 

To assign a different weight to a UDQ, begin the UDQ creation process or edit an existing UDQ.

 

After defining the question responses of the UDQ, refer to the Preferred Weight drop-down option.

 

The default setting for the preferred weight is to use the default weight assigned to the dataset.

 

Choosing the Follow the preference of another question option will display an additional selection field.

Click this field to expand the list of available questions. These will be arranged in the familiar layout by section.

Expand the section to select a question to use.

 

In this example, the questions related to “Reason for purchase” use a different assigned weight.

Selecting the “Make of Previous Car” question will apply its weight to the UDQ.

 

 

After confirming the UDQ response labels, definitions, and preferred weight are correct, save the UDQ by clicking the OK button.

 

This UDQ will now use the new weight instead of the dataset default weight.