When would you typically use the FORMAT statement?

The FORMAT statement is primarily used to enhance the presentation of data in output reports by controlling how values are displayed. When you apply a format to a variable, it determines how that variable's values will appear in the output, such as in printed reports or data listings. For example, you might use a date format to ensure that date values are displayed in a specific way, or a dollar format to format monetary values in a consistent and readable manner.

While the other options involve aspects of data handling within SAS, they do not accurately represent the primary purpose of the FORMAT statement. Reading raw data into SAS is typically done with input statements, modifying input formats relates more to the INFORMAT statement, and specifying data types is handled through the DATA step declaration rather than the FORMAT statement. Therefore, focusing on controlling the appearance of output specifically aligns with the correct function of the FORMAT statement.