An analyst at your firm and you are discussing missing data. What might you suggest as an appropriate strategy for dealing with larger quantities of missing data?
A) Ignore them.
B) Go back to the participant and demand an answer.
C) Define missing values using the 'recode' function.
D) Start the study again, taking more care with data recording.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Defining missing values using the 'recode' function is a standard approach for dealing with larger quantities of missing data. This strategy allows for the missing values to be replaced with a standard code, such as -99 or "missing," so they can be easily identified and analyzed. Ignoring the missing data is not appropriate as it can compromise the accuracy of the results. Going back to participants and demanding answers may not be possible or ethical, and restarting the study is extreme and not necessary unless the missing data are due to a systematic error in data collection.

An Analyst at Your Firm and You Are Discussing Missing