Description: Missing values refer to data entries that are not recorded or are absent in a dataset. This phenomenon is common in various fields, such as scientific research, economics, and health, where data collection can be affected by multiple factors, such as collection errors, technical issues, or simply the lack of response from respondents. Missing values can be categorized into different types, such as ‘completely random’, ‘random’, and ‘non-random’, depending on the nature of their absence. Identifying and properly handling these values is crucial, as they can significantly influence the results of statistical analyses and predictive models. Ignoring missing values can lead to erroneous conclusions and affect the validity of studies. Therefore, it is essential to apply imputation techniques or analyses that consider these values to obtain more accurate and representative results. In summary, missing values are a critical aspect of data management that requires careful attention to ensure the integrity of the analyses performed.
