Anonymise Data in IBM SPSS Modeler

To improve your experience using IBM SPSS Modeler, the Version 1 SPSS experts have created various Tech Tips. This Tech Tip shows how to anonymise data in IBM SPSS Modeler. 

IBM SPSS Modeler is an extensive predictive analytics platform designed to bring predictive intelligence to decisions made by individuals, groups, systems, and the enterprise. IBM SPSS Modeler has an easy-to-use drag-and-drop user interface with a complete set of tools for accessing data, data examination, preparation, modelling, evaluation, and deployment.  

As mentioned, Modeler users can build predictive models from start to finish. Modeler uses node-based, visual programming to connect to data and construct the entire predictive modelling stream. Users pick nodes from palettes and place them on the stream canvas. Once nodes have been placed on the Stream Canvas and edited, they can be linked to form a stream. A stream represents a flow of data through several operations (nodes) to a destination that can be in the form of output (either text or chart), a model, or the export of data to another format (e.g., a database).  

The ability to anonymise data in Modeler provides data protection. Modeler also allows users to encrypt streams and password-protect sections of streams.  

To anonymise data in IBM SPSS Modeler, go to the Field Ops palette and select the Anonymize node. You can drag or double-click the node to place it on the stream canvas. Once the anonymise node is on the canvas, you can connect it to your stream. Double-click to open the node. The fields in the dataset appear to the left. The option to anonymise data is on the right side of the dialog box. In the Anonymize Values column, select Yes to anonymise. Click on the Preview button to see your data.