Analysis Lab that can perform basic descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics include the graphic methods: box plots, histograms, stem and leaf displays, and normal quantile plots. Inferential statistics include independent-group t tests, Chi Square tests, tests in simple regression/correlation, and Analysis of Variance.

Reading/Entering Data

There are currently two "libraries" of datasets. The default library is "RVLS_data." You can change the library by using the pop-up menu. Just under the pop-up menu for libraries is a pop-up menu of datasets in the library. Choose the dataset you want to analyze. A description of the dataset will be shown on the right side of the display. The data from the case studies will be included in the near future.

To enter your own data, click the button labeled "Enter/Edit User Data." A window will open with an area for you to enter or paste in your data. You may get a warning that you must use the keyboard shortcut to paste because your system may not allow Java programs to read the clipboard. Pasting formatted text will not work. If you have trouble pasting in your data, try pasating them as unformatted text into Word, copying, and then pasting into Analysis Lab.

The first line should contain the names of the variables (separated by spaces or tabs). The remaining lines should contain the data themselves. Missing data cannot be handled so all observations must have valid data for all variables. All variables must be numeric. If one of your variables is to be used as a "Grouping" or "Classification" variable, then values of the grouping variable must be integers ranging from one to the total number of groups. Use grouping variables so that you can do a separate analysis for each level of the variable or to use the variable as an independent variable in an analysis of variance. Once you have entered your data, click on the "Accept data" button. The data will be temporarily saved so that if you click the "Enter/Edit User Data" button again they will be shown

Choosing Variables

To analyze a variable, select it in the "Y" pop-up menu and then click on the type of analysis you wish to perform. To see the relationship between two variables, select one in the "X" menu and the other in the "Y" menu. Then click on the "Correlation/regression" button. Specify a grouping variable to do an analysis separately for each group of observations. You also specify a grouping variable to conduct an analysis of variance or do a t test.

Copying/Printing

Analysis Lab does not have any copying or printing capabilities. However, you can copy and(optionally) print by doing a screen capture. If you are using a Macintosh with OSX, press "4" while holding down the command (Apple), shift, and control keys. You will be given the opportunity to select an area of the screen to be copied to the clipboard.


If you are using Windows, make sure the window you want to copy is selected. Then, hold down the ALT key and press the Print Screen Key key. The window will be copied to the clipboard for pasting into another application such as a word processor.

Problems

On occasion, some browsers do not refresh the display. If you get a blank window, try resizing it slightly.