Data coverts to dates (case 16111)

[Desperatestudentin]

Hi so my study tests ppts ability to memorize and later reproduce a list of numbers. For purposes I shall not elaborate, the list of 4-digit numbers in one condition are separated by a dash right in the middle (xx-xx). So I created xx-xx fill in the blanks for those numbers. where the dash (-) is already fixed and ppts just have to fill in the 4 digits. Which is all good. Until I realized that in the data sheet, rather than numerals, dates rather than numerals appear. If the ppt had answered with a 21-10, the data says 21 October, converting the two numbers behind the dash to a month. How do I get a round this prob? Btw, the dash has to be fixed beforehand so letting ppts type their own dash isnt an option. In case anyone is thinking of that.

Appreciate any inputs, thanks in advance!