Proc sort by ascending or descending value yields totally different results for the same dataset

[Vivv]

Hi,

I am using SAS V9.4 to work with a dataset where there are more than one observations for a person. I am interested in a single observation for a person; however when I sort by descending order and select the first observation per case ID, I get a dataset much smaller than the dataset I get if I sort by the SAS default of ascending order. The two numbers aren't even close. Any ideas as to why this could be happening?

PROC SORT data=temp1;                                                                      
BY case_number  value;
  
DATA TEMP2;                                                                    
SET TEMP1; 
BY  case_number   value;
if FIRST.case_number;

PROC SORT data=temp1;                                                                      
BY case_number descending value;
  
DATA TEMP2;                                                                    
SET TEMP1; 
BY  case_number descending value;
if FIRST.case_number;

[mkeintz · Accepted solution]

Please show the log, including its report on the number of observations in TEMP2 -- for both orderings.

[Vivv]

I just looked through the log and saw that it was an error in a subsequent data step that was causing my problems. Thank you!! I need to learn to check my sas log more.