Data Entry - Agricultural Statistical Data Analysis Using Stata - page 32

text will be red, and value labels will appear blue. Stata can only use
numeric and value labels (actually it still is a numeric value to Stata)
variables for analyses. Text variables are used just as identifiers.
There is always the possibility of data being entered incorrectly. In
fact, we have tried to reduce this from occurring by using data entry
computers in the field (e.g., Ipad, etc.). This has become possible with
the reduction in size and price of many such devices. In addition,
more and more laboratory equipment saves collected data that can be
imported to your computer further eliminating the possibility of data
entry errors. Stata also helps by having a command, called assert ,
that allows you to check for data entry errors.

Importing Data

Stata has a number of other methods for inputting data into the pro-
gram. These methods are available with the Import command under
the File menu. The first of these is Excel spreadsheet (*.xls, *xlsx). This
is used to import data from Microsoft Excel ® . Selecting this option
brings up the dialog in Figure 2.3.
Many datasets will be tab or comma delimited. This means either
tabs or commas are used to separate the data into columns. The first

Figure 2.3 Excel importing dialog for selecting an Excel workbook on a Macintosh computer.