We conduct research in order to test hypotheses, and we do so by obtaining data from various sources. Hopefully, if our experiments are well designed and done, we will be able to obtain useful data that will allow us to learn something new about the world.
While the preparation and implementation of any experiment are vital components of the process, they are only half of the battle. The treatment of data is just as important as the data itself, and studying good data in the proper way can result in ground-breaking discoveries and insights.
Data analysis is frequently regarded as the most frightening element of the research process, but this does not have to be the case. However, while you will need to understand what to do with the data and how to interpret the results, statistical analysis tools created specifically for this purpose can make the process as smooth and straightforward as possible.
In order to carry out statistical analysis of data, a large variety of tools are available, and we have listed (in no particular order) the seven top packages suitable for human behaviour study in the section below.
SPSS
When it comes to human behaviour research, SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) is unquestionably the most extensively utilised statistics software package available. Through the use of a graphical user interface, SPSS allows users to quickly and easily build descriptive statistics, parametric and non-parametric analyses, as well as graphical representations of results (GUI). The software also has the capability of creating scripts to automate analysis or to do more complex statistics processing operations.
R
A frequently used statistical software tool in both human behaviour research and other domains is R R. R is a free statistical software package that is available online. The use of toolboxes (basically plugins) is available for a wide range of programmes, which can make many parts of data processing more straightforward. In spite of the fact that R is a very sophisticated piece of software, it has a steep learning curve and requires some programming experience. It does, however, come with a vibrant community of people who are actively involved in the development and improvement of R and its accompanying plugins, ensuring that assistance is never far away.
Stata
Stata is a comprehensive statistical software package that enables users to analyse, manage, and create graphical representations of data. It is available free of charge. When it comes to data patterns, it is largely employed by economists, biomedical researchers, and political scientists to study them. It features both a command line and a graphical user interface, which makes it easier to use than other similar software programmes.
Microsoft Excel
It is Despite the fact that it is not a cutting-edge solution for statistical analysis, Microsoft Excel provides a wide selection of tools for data visualisation and basic statistics. Many people who only want to see the essentials of their data will find this tool useful because it is simple to generate summary metrics as well as customisable graphics and figures. Because so many individuals and businesses own and understand Excel, it is an accessible tool for those wishing to get their feet wet in the world of statistics.
SAS
SAS is a statistical analysis platform that allows users to do statistical studies using either the graphical user interface (GUI) or by writing scripts for more complex analyses. It is a high-end solution that is widely utilised in a variety of fields, including business, healthcare, and human behaviour research. Even while it is feasible to conduct advanced studies and create graphs and charts that are worthy of publishing, the coding system might be a difficult adjustment for people who are not accustomed to this technique.