Missing Values for a String Variable

Missing values for string variables are handled similarly to the missing values for numeric variables. However, unlike numeric variables, empty fields in string variables are not designated as system-missing. Rather, they are interpreted as an empty string.

1. Click the Variable View tab at the bottom of the Data Editor window.
2. Click the Missing cell in the sex row, and then click the button on the right side of the cell to open the Missing Values dialog box.
3. Select Discrete missing values.
4. Type NR in the first text box.

   Missing values for string variables are case sensitive. So, a value of nr is not treated as a missing value.

5. Click OK to save your changes and return to the Data Editor.

   Now you can add a label for the missing value.

6. Click the Values cell in the sex row, and then click the button on the right side of the cell to open the Value Labels dialog box.
7. Type NR in the Value field.
8. Type No Response in the Label field.
9. Click Add to add this label to your project.
10. Click OK to save your changes and return to the Data Editor.