Getting error "Expected value: []; Actual value: [null]

I have a JSONPath Match Assertion.  My expected result is coming from an Excel data source.  The value going into the request is blank (empty) and the result is also blank (empty) so I am expecting the assertion to PASS.  However I am getting "Comparison failed".Path:[$.apcustomApcustom.category.process.parameter.processSetting.argument.enableDebugOutput];"Expected value: []; Actual value: [null]".  My coworker is running the same project and using the same data source but does not get this error.  Is there a setting that is causing this failure?  Thanks.