14. Creating new variables

'Manipulate Variables' tab & the 'Create New Variables'

Think carefully as to the PURPOSE of the new variable.

The new variable needs to add to the investigation and provide further insight - (not just a variable for the sake of a variable)

eg A supermarket Sales seem to be increasing. Is this due to business practices or just due to population growth in the surrounding area?

A new variable of Supermarket Sales ÷ City Population would be useful

Be very careful to spell the existing variables correctly

To make this easier, you can click on the 'view variables' icon above the data set. From there, you can drag and drop the headings into your new variable equation. This helps avoid typos and issues with capitalisation and spelling.

The time series graph of the new variable should provide further information worthy of discussion.

The new variable can be compared to existing ones.