topic Re: how to rename zscores for a dataset with many variables in SAS Programming

how to rename zscores for a dataset with many variables

mikiduta — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 20:01:43 GMT

Hello everyone,

I have a question about creating zscores for many variables in a file with tens of variables. If I do this for a few variables everything is OK, as I can rename the variables as zscores and drop the redundant names (of the original variables). However, to do this with 50 variables is tedious. I was wondering if anyone can help me automatically assign zscore names that correspond to the original variables.

Thank you very much!

Re: how to rename zscores for a dataset with many variables

art297 — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 20:18:45 GMT

Some example data, in the form of a datastep, would be helpful.

My initial guess is to use proc sql (using dictionary.columns) to write out all of the calculations and naming.

Do you have to do it for all of your numeric variables? It will also help to see the code you used to do the one example you mentioned.

Art, CEO, AnalystFinder.com

Re: how to rename zscores for a dataset with many variables

mikiduta — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 20:23:46 GMT

thank you so much! They are all numeric, I am using proc standard:

PROC STANDARD DATA= mydata MEAN=0 STD=1 OUT=zscoreswk;
VAR x1 x2 x3; run;

data quality.zscoreswk; set zscoreswk;
zx1=x1;
zx2=x2;
zx3=x3;

drop x1 x2 x3;
run;

I would like to be able to rename all the 50+ variables so that their new names include the original name zx1.....zx50.

Thanks! Have a nice afternoon!

Re: how to rename zscores for a dataset with many variables

Reeza — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 20:24:14 GMT

Use PROC STDIZE or STANDARD to standardize the variables - which is equivalent to taking the z score if you're using the distribution of the data. You can use variable lists/shortcuts in the VAR statement to simplify the process of listing the variables.

proc stdize data=have out=want method=std;
var LIST_VARS_HERE;
run;

Re: how to rename zscores for a dataset with many variables

mikiduta — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 20:25:26 GMT

thank you so much! best regards!

Re: how to rename zscores for a dataset with many variables

Reeza — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 20:26:46 GMT

If it's a series list you can rename it as:


set new_data (rename = (x1-x10=zx1-zx10));

data quality.zscoreswk; 
set zscoreswk (rename = (x1-x3 = zx1-zx3));

run;

Re: how to rename zscores for a dataset with many variables

mikiduta — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 20:27:51 GMT

Oh, thank you so much! This is very helpful!

Re: how to rename zscores for a dataset with many variables

mikiduta — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 20:35:17 GMT

sorry to bother you again, how do I do this when my variables have various labels (e.g., x1=density of streets, x2= landuse mix etc), is there an easy way to convert all variables into new variables labelled x1....x50, so i could apply the method above? Thanks again:)

Re: how to rename zscores for a dataset with many variables

Reeza — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 20:40:09 GMT

1. Start a new question, because this is different than your original

2. Please clarify your terminology, labels are used to show a descriptive information on the variable. A variable name is different.

Are you asking how to rename variables and keep the same labels?

Or are you saying your variables aren't labelled as series x1-x10?

Re: how to rename zscores for a dataset with many variables

mikiduta — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 20:41:20 GMT

Thanks, I will start a new question.