Learning Statistics with Spreadsheet

Abstract

I explained the necessity of the above designed course as follows:

Presently, we are living in an era where there is an overload of data and information. As such, we have to rely on various methods of data analysis.

One of the most important methods of data analysis is the use of statistics. However, most of us are unable to use statistical methods correctly. In order to learn these statistical procedures, it is necessary to have a good knowledge of mathematics. The personal computer has enabled us to do some of these statistical procedures more easily, in addition to the many 'how to' textbooks on learning statistics. However, most of us cannot understand how to interpret the results, despite being able to do the statistical procedures easily.

Williamson et al (1986) did an analysis of about 4200 articles in authorized medical journals. Their results claim that "80% of articles have used some wrong methods in statistics" (cf. [2]).

I know of an easy method to learn how to use statistical procedures correctly. To conduct an experiment, it is necessary to think logically and consider appropriate statistical methods that are suitable for the experiment.

For this purpose, spreadsheet programs are very useful. Data entry is easily executed in a spreadsheet format. The formatted data in rows and columns is also easy to read and understand. Step by step execution of calculations is facilitated by 'copy and paste' operations using a mouse.

Therefore, we have designed the course to include many basic and various problems for statistical methods. In this way, we believe the learner will be able to obtain a heuristic observation on statistical analyses.

In contrast, the 'how to' books do not have the interactive feature described here.

There exists the main disadvantage of 'how to' textbooks that they do not allow interactive learning. Hence, it is like a computer 'slide-show' where the information is displayed one after another without any test by the learner. On the other hand, my spreadsheet method of learning provides many interactive learning opportunities to the student through experiments and simulations.

Bibliography
[1] SUZUKI, Jiro., Spreadsheet statistics (in Japanese), Addison Wesley Japan, in printing.
[2] Wiliamson, Goldschmidt, Colton., "The quality of medical literature: An analysis of validation assessments" in Medical uses in statistics, Massachusetts Medical Society, 1986.