Statistical software is commonly used in undergraduate social sciences statistics courses. Due to the increase in online/hybrid courses and the cost of SPSS, instructors may wish to switch to another statistical software. We cover seven programs: Excel, Google Sheets, jamovi, JASP, PSPP, R, and SOFA. We compare programs using the following…

The author presents guidelines for the selection of statistical analysis software given to graduate students to work independently. Criteria for a good teaching program are delineated. Several software programs are evaluated: STATMASTER, Statistics and Probability, Monte Carlo Simulations, Survey Sampling, KEYSTAT, CAPSAS: Computer Assisted…

Describes a two-stage experiment that was designed to explain binomial distribution to undergraduate statistics students. A manual coin flipping exercise is explained as the first stage; a computerized simulation using MINITAB software is presented as stage two; and output from the MINITAB exercises is included. (two references) (LRW)

This paper presents examples of effective uses of microcomputers to support basic statistics instruction. All programs are written in Applesoft BASIC for Apple II Plus microcomputers and compatible equipment. They have been field tested in statistics courses at the University of Maryland. Microcomputers can be used with color monitors for…

A computer-assisted instructional (CAI) course in applied statistics has been taught for 15 years in the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba. The CAI courseware was originally created to be the primary mode of instruction for the course, and it is very extensive in terms of content and style of presentation. The course includes 14…

Describes a SYSTAT macro that generates sufficient information from the data available to compute an analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc analysis. Suggests the macro procedure as a tool for those who want to explore relations among the results of published studies when raw data are not available. Recommends classroom uses. (DK)

Describes a study of graduate students that observed the interaction between users of a graphical statistical package and a human playing the role of a simulated intelligent advisory system to guide the design of advice-offering user-assistance software. The use of video to examine the users' role in the interaction is discussed. (Contains 37…

Describes a methodology for creating and using instructional activities enhanced by the use of problem-specific scenarios that include electronic templates for use in both large group and individual modes. Examples of templates used for instruction in planning, decision making, statistical concepts, and software evaluation are presented. (13…

Describes a computer-assisted learning program called Link, which was designed for psychology students to review their understanding of correlation. Results of a summative evaluation showed that use of Link contributed to students' understanding of correlation, as did the use of paper-based instructional materials. Suggests implications for…

Examines the use of small-scale databases for introductory economic and social science statistics in higher education. The results of a research project at Portsmouth Polytechnic that used a specially written database are reported, the use of spreadsheets is discussed, and future considerations are suggested. (17 references) (LRW)

Describes the use of microcomputer-based software in an introductory statistics course at Vanderbilt University. The use of Wingz spreadsheet and Data Desk statistics software is described, objectives for the course are explained, possible objections to computer-assisted instruction for statistics are addressed, and student reactions are reported.…

This report describes a detailed, multi-site evaluation of ConStatS, a curricular software package for helping students conceptualize introductory statistics. ConStatS employs a novel approach for forcing students into an active, experimental style of learning. This evaluation allowed an assessment of the degree to which curricular software helps…

Discussion of knowledge maps focuses on a study at Texas Christian University that was conducted to determine the effects of scripted cooperation in a hypermap environment. Hypermap and hypertext versions of MacStat--the software for univariate statistics that was used in the study--are described, and performance measures are explained. (17…

Describes the operation of a graduate level statistics course based on computer-assisted instruction (CAI). Course content and student reactions are discussed, course evaluations are reported, problems involved with moving the courseware to different computer systems are described, and the CAI run-time system is explained. (10 references) (LRW)

Discusses curriculum changes necessary to use technology in an introductory statistics course, including outline of the curriculum, grading, use of statistical software, relevance to current events, use of writing, objectives, working in teams, data summary, data analysis, and exams. (MKR)