Median split - divide an continuous independent variable (IV) into two groups (dichotomous)with SPSS

This video demonstrates how to split a continuous independent variable into two groups using SPSS. That is, it becomes a dichotomous grouping variable. After doing this, you can then perform some hypotheses testing statistics such as a t-test using these new groups. Please be aware that this procedure is quite controversial! Reducing a continuous IV into a dichotomous variable means you lose a ton of variance, and many statisticians (and journal article reviewers!) will slap you for it. But, it can be useful - just use with caution!

[MrResidentme]

Your video made me have more time for less nerdier things..Thank you very much for that!

[다운아름-xm]

thank you sooo much for sharing the useful information !!!!

[Abi]

this is great thank you. Just wish it had sound, but demo is very clear

[tanvir]

the 2 stands for value 2 and the 2.83 is the median of that variable. anything below 2.83 would go under value 1 and anything higher than 2.83 would go in the median 2

[Gildrion]

what is about cases that take EXACTLY the value of the median (so 2, 8333). How are they coded...as 2 or as 1?...I focus this problem in my data at the moment.

[zenon]

What about when cases are excatly the same value as the median? What do they get coded as?

[athna]

What does the m for m_selfish stand for?Is it the mean of all the items used to measure the selfish construct? I need to split two cases (high and low) based on the median. 

[swekiwi]

I still don't get where the values under "Compute Variable" are coming from. How come it's a 2 and 2.83?