status <- c("poor","improved","excellent","poor")
#表示有序型变量,用order=T指定,默认的排序规则是按字母顺序排
sta <- factor(status,order=T)
> sta
[1] poor improved excellent poor
Levels: excellent < improved < poor
#按字母顺序达不到要求时,可以指定levels选项来覆盖默认排序
sta1 <- factor(status,order=TRUE,levels=c("poor","improved","excellent"))
[1] poor improved excellent poor
Levels: poor < improved < excellent