This report provides a detailed description and evaluation of the SYSTAT 2.1 microcomputer statistics system for professional statisticians. Information provided includes the producer, versions available and compatibility, and a description of each of the 11 modules that make up the SYSTAT package. Discussion of the usability of the software…

This special issue contains seventeen articles on using microcomputers to perform statistical analysis. Programs reviewed are: BMDPC (1985 release), P-STAT-8 (version 1.18), SPSS/PC (version 1.1) and SYSTAT (version 2.0). Included are comparative reviews, author rebuttals, and an article which provides insight into teaching an introductory survey…

This buyer's guide to seven major types of statistics software packages for microcomputers reviews Edu-Ware Statistics 3.0; Financial Planning; Speed Stat; Statistics with DAISY; Human Systems Dynamics package of Stats Plus, ANOVA II, and REGRESS II; Maxistat; and Moore-Barnes' MBC Test Construction and MBC Correlation. (MBR)

The nine microcomputer statistical software packages that are described comprise the statistical software collection at the Appalachia Educational Laboratory (AEL). The packages are compatible with AEL's Apple II microcomputer, though many are also available with other microcomputers. References to software reviews are included for some programs.…

This review of Data Desk Professional, a statistical software package for Macintosh microcomputers, includes information on: (1) cost and the amount and allocation of memory; (2) usability (documentation quality, ease of use); (3) running programs; (4) program output (quality of graphics); (5) accuracy; and (6) user services. In conclusion, it is…

Presents a histogram drawing program which sorts real numbers in up to 30 categories. Entered data are sorted and saved in a text file which is then used to generate the histogram. Complete Applesoft program listings are included. (JN)

This guide discusses six sets of features to examine when purchasing a microcomputer-based statistics program: hardware requirements; data management; data processing; statistical procedures; printing; and documentation. While the current statistical packages have several negative features, they are cost saving and convenient for small to moderate…

Demonstrates the value of spreadsheets for teaching sociology using Lotus 1 2 3 as an example. Shows how a Cholesky factorization, an eigenstructure solution, a correlation analysis, and a discriminant analysis may be performed using a spreadsheet or a BASIC program (included). (BSR)

Briefly reviews history of social science data processing and argues that most social science computing has involved adapting technologies developed in other disciplines. Shows how changing computer technology shapes social science data collection and analysis techniques. Concludes that the nature of the microcomputer may again encourage…

This paper describes a personal computer spreadsheet set up to carry out hierarchical log-linear analyses, a type of analysis useful for institutional research into multidimensional frequency tables formed from categorical variables such as faculty rank, student class level, gender, or retention status. The spreadsheet provides a concrete vehicle…

Describes a student project which illustrates interrelationships among the topics of random sampling, relative frequency concept of probability, design of experiments, and computer generation of data and which involves determining the configurations of numbers and letters on license plates through a microcomputer program. The computer program is…

This guide to the discovery, analysis, production, communication, and use of statistical information through graphic forms produced by a computer is designed to enable researchers to conduct their analyses and report research results more effectively. It is designed both for individuals with little knowledge about the use of statistical graphs or…

The review of some recent studies on use of microcomputers in early childhood special education highlights methodological issues including the qualitative quantitative distinction and the interdependence of research design and interpretation. Imbedding qualitative methods into quasi- or true-experimental designs can provide more information than…

Presents the uses of pocket calculators, programmable calculators, and microcomputers in teaching of statistical physics in unit 9 of the Nuffield advanced physics course. (SK)

A guide to the use of microcomputer statistical analysis packages for loglinear analysis describes the application of one popular package to a straightforward problem and critically surveys features available in four of the leading packages. Survey findings and suggestions for further development are included. (Author/MSE)