Why use statistical software in Statistics 101?

In this course, we use the statistical package JMP-IN to analyze data.  JMP-IN gives us an enormous advantage over people who learned about and performed statistical analyses back in the pre-computer days.  It allows us to avoid the drudgery of long, arithmetical calculations in favor of understanding concepts and analyzing data.  You may find JMP-IN a little annoying at times (all computer software is), but I suspect that you will be thankful of its existence once we start analyzing data!

We'll use JMP-IN for the final project and for labs.

How do I use JMP-IN?

JMP-IN can be purchased in the Duke book store and downloaded on to your personal computer.  It is also available on computers in the labs.

Relevant JMP-IN commands will be provided with labs.   Generally, JMP-IN's interface is user-friendly.  It allows you to point and click with your mouse to do statistical analyses.  Plus, you can drag displays into Word documents, which is nice for projects.
 

How do I download JMP-IN data sets used for labs?

First, open JMP-IN on your computer.  Lab data sets will be linked to the lab pages on the computer.  You can click on them to open up the data sets.

Can I read data sets in JMP-IN that are not JMP-IN files, for example when downloading data for my final project?

Yes.  You need to import them using special JMP commands.  See the TAs or the instructor for assistance.