Why use statistical software in Statistics 103?

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 you will be thankful of its existence once we start analyzing data!

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 any PC across campus.  The Macs on campus don't have JMP-IN installed.

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.  

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

First, open JMP-IN on your computer.  Datasets for computing labs will be linked to the course web site.  You can click on them to open up the datasets directly in JMP-IN.

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

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