         {
             if (numeric == true)
                 _compareFunction = numericCompare;
+            else if (numeric == false)
+                _compareFunction = stringCompare;
             else
             {
                 // we need to introspect the data a little bit

    //--------------------------------------------------------------------------

    /**
     *  @private
     *  Detects changes to style properties. When any style property is set,
     *  Flex calls the <code>styleChanged()</code> method,


import mx.collections.ISortField;
import mx.collections.errors.SortError;
import mx.core.FlexGlobals;
import mx.core.UIComponent;
import mx.managers.ISystemManager;
import mx.managers.SystemManager;
