Listed below are several different software programs that can help manage and analyze quantitative or qualitative data. Another good place to look for help in starting statistical analysis is a local college. Many universities and colleges offer introductory statistics courses. There are also many books on quantitative and qualitative analysis that can help with data analysis. An excellent resource for beginning SPSS users is Discovering Statistics Using SPSS by Andy Field.
Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Excel is part of the Microsoft Office software package
- Easy-to-use program for basic data management and analysis
- Provides users with basic descriptive statistical functions
- Useful for an evaluation plan that does not include a rigorous experimental design
- For more information on Microsoft Office products visit the official Microsoft Office site.
Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Access is part of the Microsoft Office software package
- Can analyze multiple fields at a time
- Can perform a variety of functions, including descriptive statistics and t-tests
- For more information on Microsoft Office products visit the official Microsoft Office site.
SPSS
- Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) is designed specifically for social science statistical analysis
- An advanced program that may require training
- Can be used to store large amounts of data
- Can perform complex statistical functions including regression analysis and correlation and variance analysis
- Suitable for experimental, longitudinal designs or basic evaluation needs
- For more information on SPSS, visit the SPSS site.
SAS
- SAS is a statistical program designed specifically for social science statistical analysis
- Advanced statistical program with a wide range of functions, similar to SPSS
- Includes survey data analysis, regression analysis, and categorical data analysis
- For more information on SAS, visit the SAS site.
R
- R is a free statistical software that integrates a wide variety of types of statistical analyses
- Advanced statistical program that can be extended with readily available functions and extensions
- Includes complex statistical functions, including both linear and non-linear modeling
- For more information on R, visit the R site.