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.

What materials will be covered in the Lab sessions?

The computing labs will use JMP to analyze various data sets (courtesy of Jerry Reiter). You will learn using JMP to
- import data, create new row/column/table, generate random samples
- explore one variable: histogram, boxplot, summary statistics
- explore two variables: scatter plot, anova plot, correlation
- explore the relationship of variables through regression
- obtain confidence interval and p-values
- do chi-square test and goodness of fit

Advice for being efficient in labs:  

The first time you use a generic data analysis tool (e.g., a histogram or regression), the lab instructions will include the relevant JMP commands for using that tool.  Subsequent labs will use data analysis tools from previous labs, but instructions will not be repeated.  I recommend that you maintain a list of JMP commands for each analysis, adding to it after each lab you complete.  That way, you have a handy reference sheet available, which will save you tremendous amounts of time when doing the labs and the final project.

Acknowledgement

Most of the lab materials are provided by Professor Jerry Reiter.