CHAPTER 4 Counting on Statistical Software 57

Like SAS, SPSS produces output, but unlike SAS, SPSS is typically manipulated by

the user through selections in menus rather than through writing code and run-

ning it. SPSS produces one long output file that includes all the output from each

SPSS session. In the output file, SPSS includes code it writes automatically from

the way you manipulate the menu. Therefore, like with SAS, it is possible to save

SPSS code files and output files and rerun the same code later. SPSS is available

from IBM’s website at www.ibm.com/products/spss-statistics/pricing.

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Excel has been used in some domains for statistical calculations, but it

is difficult to use with large datasets. Excel has built-in functions for summariz-

ing data (such as calculating means and standard deviations talked about in

Chapter 9). It also has common probability distribution functions such as Student

t (Chapter 11) and chi-square (Chapter 12). You can even do straight-line regres-

sion (Chapter 16), as well as more extensive analyses available through add-ins.

These functions can come in handy when doing quick calculations or learning

about statistics, but using Excel for statistical projects evokes many challenges.

Using a spreadsheet for statistics means your data are stored in the same place as

your calculations, creating privacy concerns (and a mess!). So, while Excel can be

helpful mathematically  — especially when making extra calculations based on

estimates in printed statistical output — it is not a good practice to use it for

extensive statistical projects.

Microsoft Excel is available in different formats, including both downloadable and

web based. Purchase it from Microsoft at www.microsoft.com.

Online analytics platforms

A more modern approach to statistical software is to create an online platform

known as an analytics suite that allows you to connect to data sources and conduct

analytics online. Here are a few popular online platforms:»

» ^{Tableau: Tableau is known for being able to provide real-time data-driven}

graphical displays online, and organizations may adopt Tableau to develop

customized dashboards. It is available at www.tableau.com.»

» ^{GraphPad: This online platform provides analytics support, such as curve-}

fitting, and provides a graphical suite called Prism. It is available at www.

graphpad.com.