SYSTAT version 10 is the latest update of this comprehensive but compact statistical package for personal computers. Targeted at non-novice users, SYSTAT 10 provides a range of statistics and graphics that are suitable for publication. The results may also be exported as Web pages.
Power analysis functions are a significant addition to version 10, appearing in SYSTAT's Design of Experiments menu with options for common tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and generic designs. Other additions include mixed regression for nested two-level data and unbalanced repeated measures, and command-file lists. Also new is "Graph Express" a separate program that allows SAS users to create SYSTAT graphics easily.
The program's range of included statistics is comprehensive, including descriptive and test statistics; nonparametrics; general linear and loglinear models; regression, including logistic and mixed; classification and regression trees; nonlinear estimation; matrices; missing values analysis; multidimensional scaling, path and probit analysis; signal detection; smoothing; spatial statistics; survival analysis; test item analysis; time series; design of experiments; multiplots; and more.
Data may be imported (interactively or by using command scripts) from numerous popular formats, including text, Excel, SAS, ArcView, ODBC (with SQL queries), dBase, DIF, BMDP, and others. Although data file sizes are limited only by the amount of available RAM, the program is not practical for extraordinarily large analyses, such as raw U.S. census data.
Graphics are excellent and include maps, multiplots, kernel densities, Voronoi tessellations, function plots, contours, quality control charts, and scatterplot matrices. Dynamic revision and linking of graphs to raw data are well-integrated, and graphs can be extensively edited. Statistics and graphics are combined in SYSTAT's Output Organizer for reports. There is a visual graphics gallery from which to choose graphical procedures.
Most tasks are accomplished in a two- or three-pane window called Output Organizer. The left pane lists each procedure and graph run in the session, and this list indexes the output display in the right pane. A third pane at the bottom (detachable) allows editing of entered commands. Double-clicking on any output graph copies it into a separate window for editing. Data are entered, edited and transformed in a spreadsheet-like data window. Menu toolbars throughout SYSTAT may be customized via drag-and-drop.
SYSTAT's strongest points include the wide range of statistics offered for power users and the program's reliability and strong graphic functions.
Science Magazine, March 9, 2001
R. Goldthwaite
Psychology, U. California, Davis
rogoldthwaite@ucdavis.edu |
