Statistical Analysis System (SAS) Programming Certification Practice Exam

Which statement must be true for a range of values in a VALUE statement?

1. Single values can be specified as labels.

2. Numeric and character ranges must contain mixed values.

3. A range cannot include missing values.

4. Values must always be ordered from lowest to highest.

The correct answer is: Single values can be specified as labels.

The correct response highlights an important aspect of the VALUE statement in SAS. When using a VALUE statement, it's essential to understand that single values can indeed be specified as labels. This means that you can define a label for individual values, allowing you to represent them in a more meaningful way in your analysis. For example, instead of displaying raw numbers or codes, you can display corresponding descriptive labels that provide clarity to your output, enhancing readability and interpretability. In the context of ranges and the other options, it's key to recognize that while specifying labels for individual values is permissible, numeric and character ranges can also only consist of homogeneous types—either all numeric or all character—therefore cannot contain mixed values. Moreover, the inclusion of missing values in a range is typically not valid, especially in contexts where valid data points are expected. Lastly, when defining ranges, it is generally encouraged to present values in an ordered fashion—lowest to highest—to maintain logical consistency and clarity in the dataset. However, this is not a mandatory requirement and may depend on the specific context in which the VALUE statement is being used.