5 Sorting Data & Linking Data to Excel Spreadsheets
Sorting columns of data in ascending or descending order is not a feature available in JASP version 0.18.3.0.
However, JASP offers an option to sync the data with another file type – .csv spreadsheets. This option allows the user to manipulate the data in a variety of ways with Excel while the changes are still reflected in JASP.
Note: In the following example, there is no pre-existing .csv file with the data so JASP has been used to generate one. It is possible to sync JASP to an existing .csv file.
1. While in ‘Analysis Mode’, click on the Synchronisation icon.
2. When prompted, select Generate Data File. If you already have a .csv file with the data, select Find Data File.
3. Save the file on your device.
4. Click on the Synchronisation icon and select ‘Open datafile with default spreadsheet editor’. This will open the .csv file with your data in Excel or an alternative spreadsheet reader that supports the .csv file format.
5. Any edits you make and save in the .csv file will be reflected in the JASP file.
Example
We want to check the minimum and maximum values of Depression Scores in the sample without generating descriptive statistics. As such, we must order the column of data containing those scores in ascending order (i.e., smallest to largest).
How do I do that?
1. Make sure you are in ‘Synchronisation Mode’ with the .csv data file open (see earlier screenshots and instructions). It should look something like this:
2. Select the entire column of data you wish to sort in Excel by clicking on the letter just above your selected column (e.g., Column F).
3. Now find the Sort & Filter option in the Home menu. Click it and select ‘Sort Smallest to Largest’.
When prompted, select Expand the selection and click Sort.
4. Your column of data should now be sorted in ascending order in your .csv file BUT not in JASP.
5. To transfer the changes to JASP, you must save the .csv file. Once saved, the corresponding column in JASP will also be sorted in ascending order.
