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Combine files (waves and trackers)

Use Combine files when you have several exports that belong in one analysis—especially tracker studies where each file is a round or wave. AddMaple helps you align columns, fix naming mismatches, and produce a single combined dataset.

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How to combine files

When to use it

  • You ran multiple waves of the same tracker and receive separate exports per round.
  • You need files joined on a respondent ID (side by side) or stacked so each file adds rows (waves on top of each other).
  • Column names differ slightly between waves but you want one consistent variable for the same underlying question.

How it works

  1. Open Combine files and select the files you want to merge (for example, one export with rounds 5–10 and another with round 11).
  2. AddMaple brings the files together and summarizes how well columns line up (for example, how many columns match and the match rate as a percentage).
  3. If some columns are not yet mapped, you’ll see a warning. Work through the list:
    • Exact matches are suggested automatically.
    • Different wording between waves may need a manual link—choose the right target column for each source column.
  4. New questions that only appear in some waves are fine: those columns are still carried through; you don’t have to force a match for every new variable.
  5. When everything you care about is matched, review the column list, then Combine and download to get your merged file.

Combining modes

  • Side by side — Useful when you are joining on a common ID (same respondents, extra columns from another file).
  • Stacked — Useful when each file is a wave or round and you want rows combined into one longitudinal dataset.

Pick the mode that matches how your tracker was fielded and exported.

Tips

  • Small name changes between waves (different wording for the same question) are normal; map them explicitly rather than leaving unmatched duplicates.
  • After download, you can open the combined file in AddMaple like any other project and use filters (for example, one round only) or trend analysis across rounds—see Analyzing tracker studies.

See also