Will SAS calculate pooled variance?

[deleted_user]

I have summary stats (mean, std dev, N) on 2 independent samples from the same population. I want to combine them, so I can compare this population to another one (with proc ttest).

I know the formula for pooled variance, and can thus use a data step to calculate the pooled variance for my two samples, but I'm wondering if there is an existing procedure where SAS will do this for you? Seems like something that would need to be done frequently enough....

Thanks!

[deleted_user]

You say you have the summary stats, but do you also have the raw data? There are a number of procedures that you can get a pooled variance out of with the raw data, such as GLM.

[deleted_user]

No - unfortunately, I don't have the raw data - I only have the summary stats (from a published paper.)

Thanks!

[deleted_user]

Well, since you are planning on using TTEST on summarized data, I assume you know how to do that. So, I'd try passing the summary statistics for your two groups through TTEST first. You aren't interested in the statistical comparison, but it will give you the pooled standard deviation (under method='POOLED').

[deleted_user]

Ahhh - okay - I'll try that - I've already started calculating the pooled vars in excel, but this will be a good check.

Thank you!

[Doc_Duke]

Then you are stuck with doing it manually or generating simulated datasets with those means and standard deviations and sample size to use in the SAS procedures.