How many observations are created in the resulting SAS data set with the given DATA step?

To determine the number of observations created in the resulting SAS data set from a given DATA step, it’s essential to understand how the DATA step processes the input data and generates output.

If the DATA step processes a DATA statement that manipulates or iterates over dataset rows, the number of observations created depends on the logic defined within the step. If the code includes conditional statements (like IF-THEN/ELSE), loops, or any other processing logic, these elements significantly influence the count of resulting observations.

In the context of the choice that indicates 2 observations were created, this suggests that the DATA step is likely designed to generate two specific outputs based on the input conditions, filtering the data down to just two relevant instances. For example, if the code included a statement that would only output rows meeting certain criteria (like a specific variable falling within a range), that could lead to just two observations being written to the data set.

It's also possible that the DATA step iterated through a dataset but only encountered or passed through a portion of the dataset that met the criteria under specified conditions. This results in fewer observations than the total existing in the source dataset.

In summary, the correct choice is indicative of the logic in the DATA step that specifically leads