Use the following syntax: IF (ID=LAG(ID) AND SYSMIS(COUNTY))COUNTY=LAG(COUNTY).

Hector

> -----Original Message----- > From: SPSSX(r) Discussion [mailto:SPSSX-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU] > On Behalf Of Yampolskaya, Svetlena > Sent: Tuesday, February 01, 2005 11:27 AM > To: SPSSX-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU > Subject: Re: help with syntax > > > Dear List, > > I have the following problem that I cannot solve. I have > three variables: > (a) id for the child, (b) a specific placement for the child, > and (c) county. Each line represents a record so if one child > have 10 placements I would have ten lines for the same child. > However only the first line has county. My data look like this: > > > Id placement county > > 1 5 11 > 1 7 . > 1 8 . > > 2 6 15 > 2 8 . > 2 7 . > > I need to replace missing values in 'county' variable with > the value in the first line for the same child. > > In other words, I want my data look like this: > > Id placement county > > 1 5 11 > 1 7 11 > 1 8 11 > > 2 6 15 > 2 8 15 > 2 7 15 > > It would not be a big problem if I have only two or three > placements for one child but I have up to 35 placements. > > Thank you in advance, > > Lana >