Merge Columns
The Merge Columns feature allows you to create a new column that will be the result of combining the attributes of different columns.
Step-by-step guide
Initially you will need to create a New Column Heading
Select the Columns To Merge section: This will allow you select the columns that you wish to be a part of the merge. By default, the columns you select will be hidden once the merge is complete. You can choose to not have the columns hidden.
- The Merge Method allows you to customize the options when multiple columns are merged. By default all merged responses will be separated by a space. Alternatively a user can manually enter a character as a delimiter. If a response apart of a merge was originally empty, the word “blank will be inserted in the newly merged response.
A user can select the Merge but Exclude option which will exclude any values apart of the newly merged response selected by the user. The user can exclude blank, no_answer, skipped, etc. The input for selecting excluding values is also a drop down that contains every possible response from all columns used in the emerge, therefore the user can also select responses from the drop down to exclude.
- You can now select the date type that you want the merged column to take on.
- Select the Create button at the bottom of the modal to create your merged column.
- You have the ability to create other merged columns on top of the current column.
- Once a merged column has been created, the Merged Column Options feature is now available for use. This grants the researcher the ability to View/Edit/Delete previously merged columns.
- Any changes made to the column must be saved.
Note:
Choosing a data type is a very crucial stage in the merge, as the data type chosen affects what operations can be performed on the column in other portions of data cleaning and analysis. If the wrong or unsuitable data type has been selected, the user can edit the merge and change the data type.
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