Statistical analysis systems are software used for statistical analysis on datasets, including descriptive and inductive statistics. They are used by scientists and businesses, with both graphical and command line interfaces. Fourth generation programming languages have made data manipulation easier. Many proprietary and open source software applications are available for various operating systems.
The term “statistical analysis system” is used to refer to software that allows the user to perform statistical analysis on datasets. Another commonly used term for this type of software is statistical programming language. When capitalized, Statistical Analysis System (SAS) is also the proper name of one of the better known software packages of its type.
A statistical analysis system provides the automation and processing power needed to facilitate the manipulation and analysis of data sets. These packages facilitate the computation of both descriptive and inductive statistics. Commonly used descriptive statistical calculations include calculations of central tendency, frequency distribution, and association. The inductive statistical analysis that can be performed with a statistical analysis system includes statistical hypothesis tests, such as the t-test, z-test, and chi-square test. Many statistical analysis systems also support other tests, such as analysis of variance (ANOVA) and its relatives, and various types of regression tests.
Statistical analysis systems are used in a wide variety of contexts. Natural and social scientists in academic and commercial research environments are the most frequent users of these types of software packages. Companies can also use a statistical analysis system for operations research, project management and other business intelligence applications.
With some software packages, the command line interface (CLI) is used more often, while others have primarily a graphical user interface (GUI), often with pull-down menus. Most software packages provide both CLI and GUI functionality, although the user may not be able to access all functionality from both interfaces. While a GUI is more familiar to non-technical users, using a CLI to create programs allows for easier replication of analyses.
Many statistical software packages use fourth generation programming languages (4GL). Thanks to their higher level of abstraction and more natural syntax, manipulating and analyzing data in 4GL is faster and easier than in lower-level programming languages. Prior to the development of 4GL, computer aided statistical analysis was complicated and required more programming experience.
A large number of statistical analysis software applications are available with various interfaces, capabilities and extensions. Proprietary software applications remain popular, but many open source software applications are also widely used. Virtually all statistical software packages will run on Windows® operating systems, and most also have Macintosh® and Linux® versions. Some applications are also compatible with Unix® operating systems.
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