Re: Coding "missing values" - standards, customs, tricks of the , trade?

On Tue, 16 Jan 1996, Dan Madvig - Bethel College & Sem. wrote: > > > > Reminds me of the medical abstracts application written back in the late > > 70s. The Director of Medical Records wanted four potential values for > > 'SEX' (Male, Female, unknown, other). I questioned the need for both > > unknown and other. After the explantion she got all four values! > > > > Well don't just leave us hanging! What was the explanation? > > Other = She *was* a he? He *was* a she? ???? > Male -- Dr looked and sure enough it was a male Female -- Yup, after a peak it was one Unknown -- Doctor hasn't peaked yet Other -- Doctor stared and still couldn't figure it out. Used mostly for molds and other aborted objects that weren't ever going to turn into a human being -- even if it went to term. +----------------------------------------------------+ | Steve Butler Voice: 206-464-2998 | | The Seattle Times Fax: 206-382-8898 | | PO Box 70 Internet: sbut-is@seatimes.com | | Seattle, WA 98111 Packet: KG7JE@N6EQZ.WA | +----------------------------------------------------+ All standard and non-standard disclaimers apply. All other sources are annonymous.