PSPP-BUG: [bug #30706] AGGREGATE: add support for random selection

[Fredrik Clementz]

Follow-up Comment #1, bug #30706 (project pspp):

Just a thought on this random function. I personally would prefer 2 different
random methodologies.  

The 2 options being a) random/variable and b) random/record. Meaning that if
you aggregate 3 variables, in random/variable it would re-randomize which
record to pick from for each variable. 

a) Meaning if there are 3 variables being aggregated with this function. It
could very well choose data from record 1 in var 1 and from rec 2 in var 2 and
from rec 1 in var 3  again. Meaning it would be really random.

b) Keeping it random but structured would be to let it randomise for which
record to use in it's entirety for all 3 variables when aggregating (as they
may very well have some sort of link between them). Typically this would be
more tricky to write, but I believe a fair assumption would be to let all in
one of these commands be checked. If multiple variables are chosen with this
option, do one random and use it.

I also note in examples above I use only 2 records as example, but note it
might very well be more than that.

Thirdly but lastly. I note that there are sysmissing issues noted in the
current dropdown functions list. I would prefer a tick box to say "Never
include sysmis in function" as an option. This would mean that for the case
above for instance, it would randomise between those that have data, or if not
ticked in between all. Also being peculiar for option b as it would have to
check all variables before deciding to choose whether a specific record can go
into the choosing process of randomisation.


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