Research Tips

Statistical Software is a Tool and Not a Replacement for Knowledge

Twenty or so years ago, anyone using statistical software needed to have a good understanding of statistics and some knowledge of programming. Today, the widespread availability of Windows-based statistical software lets users point and click. No knowledge of programming — or for that matter, statistics — is required to use the software, but using the software and doing something useful with the software are two different things.

Windows-based statistical software packages can be big time savers for those who understand the techniques being used and the assumptions being made; however, such programs will still generate output when used by people with no understanding of these things even if they’ve selected an inappropriate technique or made incorrect decisions about what variables to include or what tests to apply. Even if those things are done correctly, without a good understanding of the techniques being used, incorrect conclusions can be drawn from the resulting output. All of this suggests that while statistical software can be a very useful tool for those knowledgeable about the statistical approaches and procedures built in to the software, it is not a replacement for that type of understanding.