topic Re: How do I replace single observations? in SAS Programming

How do I replace single observations?

K_S — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 14:27:04 GMT

I want to replace single observations in a dataset.

I have a var whose obs I want to change. Fir example each time my var =10, I want to replace it with 15 or another number or my choosing. How do I do this?'

I used to be able to do this with modify and replace statements, but have forgotten how to do it.

Re: How do I replace single observations?

PaigeMiller — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 14:28:51 GMT

data want;
    set have;
    if x1=10 then x1=15;
run;

Re: How do I replace single observations?

ballardw — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 14:35:37 GMT

"Observation" in SAS-speak is an entire "row of data" , "record" or similar. You want to change the value of a variable in specific observations, not "replace an observation".

Re: How do I replace single observations?

CurtisMackWSIPP — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 14:36:25 GMT

I prefer the SQL approach.

proc sql;
  update have
    set x1=15
   where x1=10;
quit;

One advantage is it will work if the data in not in a SAS dataset.

Re: How do I replace single observations?

CurtisMackWSIPP — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 14:39:55 GMT

If you really want to use the modify/replace style, my old paper should help. https://www.lexjansen.com/pnwsug/2008/CurtisMack-Modify.pdf . It is overkill for this case though.

Re: How do I replace single observations?

CurtisMackWSIPP — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 15:12:30 GMT

In the poster's defense, I they were thinking of the modify/replace syntax in which you must replace the entire record to change a single value.