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help for panelthin
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Identify observations for possible thinned panel dataset

panelthin [if exp] [in range] , generate(newvar) minimum(#)

Description

panelthin identifies observations that would belong in a thinned panel dataset in which observations in each panel are at least a minimum time apart. The result is a new variable tagging observations in the thinned dataset by 1 and others by 0.

Remarks

panelthin assumes tsset data and automatically works separately on each panel in a panel dataset.

In essence, the first observation in each panel is selected, then the next after at least a minimum time, and so on.

If a thinned dataset is acceptable, then (provided that the main dataset is saved elsewhere) keep the set with observations tagged 1 in the new variable.

Options

generate() specifies the name of a new variable to include tags for selected observations. It is a required option.

minimum() specifies the minimum acceptable spacing in the units of the time variable defining the panel. It is a required option.

Examples

. tsset id time . panelthin, min(5) gen(OK) . browse id time OK . keep if OK

Author

Nicholas J. Cox, Durham University, UK n.j.cox@durham.ac.uk

Acknowledgments

This problem was suggested by Rajesh Tharyan on Statalist. http://www.stata.com/statalist/archive/2008-05/msg00772.html

Leny Matthew signalled a bug in an earlier version.

Also see

On line: help for tsset