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Speaking Stata: How best to generate indicator or dummy variables

Author

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  • Nicholas J. Cox

    (Durham University)

Abstract

Indicator or dummy variables record whether some condition is true or false in each observation by a value of 1 or 0. Values may also be missing if truth or falsity is not known, and that fact should be flagged. Such indicators may be created on the fly by using factor-variable notation. tabulate also offers one method for automating the generation of indicators. In this column, we discuss in detail how otherwise to best generate such variables directly, with comments here and there on what not to do.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicholas J. Cox, 2019. "Speaking Stata: How best to generate indicator or dummy variables," Stata Journal, StataCorp LP, vol. 19(1), pages 246-259, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:tsj:stataj:y:19:y:2019:i:1:p:246-259
    DOI: 10.1177/1536867X19830921
    Note: to access software from within Stata, net describe http://www.stata-journal.com/software/sj18-3/dm0099/
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