using getElementByid and getting dataset count and not value

[jdzemke]

I am trying to validate that a null value is not chosen from a dynamic dataset called "OBDataSet__135_1" when a form Submit operation is performed. To do this I have a javascript function called "verify()" that attempts to validate the value in the select list dataset called "OBDataSet_135_1". The select list dataset is not static. The following statement --- document.getElementById('OBDataSet__135_1').length ; -- that fires within the verify() function returns the length of 267, which is the count of the values in my select list. The use of --document.getElementById('OBDataSet__135_1').value; -- returns null even when I choose a value. What I suspect is happening, is that I need to choose an element of my select list with some like this --document.getElementById('OBDataSet__135_1[i]').value; --, but this is not working. How should I be doing this to get the value?

--- form level function call
<form method="POST" name="form1" onSubmit="return verify();">
 
-- test statement wthin verify() function.
alert("get length" + document.getElementById('OBDataSet__135_1').value);
 
--dynamic select list
<select size="1" name="OBDataSet__135_1" id="OBDataSet__135_1" onChange="this.form.input1.value=this.options[this.selectedIndex].value">
                                                               </select></td>
 

[vssp]

Sorry what u want I am not clear

vssp

[iam_clint]

Heres a clear example i made you. enjoy :).

<script>
function verify() {
var obj1 = document.getElementById('OBDataSet__135_1');
alert(obj1.options[obj1.options.selectedIndex].text)
}
</script>
<input type="button" value="Test" onclick="verify();">
<select id="OBDataSet__135_1">
<option>a</option>
<option>b</option>
<option>c</option>
<option>d</option>
</select>