Choosing Statistical Software

Start with the purpose of statistical software

Begin with the mind map on choosing the right software that introduces a statistical package as a computer program designed to solve statistics problems. It offers a starting point for thinking about what the software is intended to do before looking at individual tools.

Another mind map on choosing the right software includes SPSS and refers to software for small businesses. Looking at both maps can help you move from a general description of statistical software to an example of a named tool.

Compare uses and trade-offs

The map Statistical software advantages and disadvantages covers SPSS, including work with large databases and the recoding of variables and records. Use its advantages and disadvantages as prompts when considering what a tool might need to do.

The map Statistic software also presents advantages and disadvantages of SPSS. Other maps compare advantages and disadvantages across tools, including SPSS, Excel and MINITAB. A further map compares SPSS with Excel and G*Power, covering advanced statistical analysis, spreadsheets and basic analysis, and statistical power and sample sizes.

As you study, note the uses and trade-offs presented for each tool. Comparing notes across maps can make it easier to see which points recur and which need closer attention.

Use the maps within the unit

Choosing Statistical Software is a section of the Applied Statistics and Statistical Software unit in Statistics and probability. The maps give you a way to focus on software choices within that unit, from the purpose of a statistical package to comparisons of named tools.

There are no quizzes on this page, so use the maps to review the points and check your understanding against your own notes. When you are ready, build a mind map that organizes the uses and trade-offs you have found.