Final Thoughts
When you get data… Check for Viruses Lock the files Right click> properties>click on read only Assume the data has not been cleaned Logic check every variable (even the ones you are not going to use). Do descriptive statistics (numeric and/or graphic) on every variable.
Cleaning up data Do nothing by hand. If you need to change a value do it in a SAS program or in an EG project. Keep the source files locked and make changes to the revised versions.
Use SQL Look at the SQL that is generated by the EG GUI. Eventually you will be sick of clicking.
Moving from EG to SAS Remember that you can right click on nodes in EG and get the code. That code can be run inside of SAS. This lets you use the statistical graphics editor. Be sure to add comments to your code.
Specify where output will be stored. Display manager deletes output text and log. Do not show the name of the procedures in output. Do X commands ASAP. Don’t show the date in output and reset page # to 1. Delete graphics in the work library. Make the folder where output will be stored if it does not exist. Delete what is there if it exists. Set file path to that directory. Make a library to store output datasets. Make a web page to display all output. Make pretty graphics. Run other programs. Turn off graphics and output.
Keep it minimal Use formats liberally instead of making new variables to recode.
Advanced Stuff If you find you need to copy and paste the same code over and over give me a call. Don’t forget that SAS/Macro functionality is availble as prompts in EG. Remember that arrays and loops can be used to do the same task on a lot of different variables.
When you conduct analyses For every p-value you needs a picture.
Lifetime Warrantee HRP 223 comes with a lifetime warrantee. If you and I are alive, you are welcome to come by and ask for help. If either you or I are not alive please do not come for help.
Special thanks to…. Bob and Ziggy Marley The Birthday Massacre VNV Nation Skinny Puppy Assemblage 23 ampedout.net Mellissa Lori Balise