Which of the following DATA steps will correctly read the numeric variables score1, score2, and score3 using a 6. informat?

The correct answer is based on the proper syntax required for reading a range of variables in a DATA step using an informat.

In SAS, when you want to read variables that are listed in a range—like score1, score2, and score3—you can use the syntax score1-score3. This tells SAS to apply the specified informat to each variable in that range. The correct format for specifying the informat for a range of variables requires parentheses around the informat if it is applied to a whole list.

Option C uses the correct syntax by putting the range (score1-score3) and the informat (6.) together. This indicates that scores will be read as a list of variables, each formatted with the 6. informat, ensuring that they are processed correctly as numeric variables with a width of 6.

In contrast, other options either misuse parentheses or do not specify the informat correctly to apply to the range of variables. Therefore, Option C stands out as the most accurate and functional way to achieve the stated goal within the context of SAS programming.