After merging the files,
. list initial? if initial1 != initial2
Occasionally with this kind of data, extra
spaces creep in. So I would first do
this:
. replace initial1 = trim(initial1)
. replace initial2 = trim(initial2)
Of course, you might have a problem. If
your identifier information is not
very reliable, it might be difficult
to carry out a -merge-, but the only
way to find out is to try and see.
Nick
[email protected]
Banya, Winston
> I have 2 files that have some variables in common. Some of
> the variables ate string for example patient's initials. Our
> forms are scanned and I have programs to check the data
> quality. However I am not sure of how to distinguish between
> 2 string variables that should be the same.
>
> If in file one I have initial (renamed initial1) as AAA and
> in file 2 (renamed initial2) as AAH for the same patient what
> command do I use to pick up the discrepancy?
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