Most data can be reduced to numbers or counts of items. Depending on what you're trying to achieve, you may only need to calculate descriptive statistics such as counts, averages, and percentages. They're the sort of thing spreadsheets excel at...

For more involved statistical analysis such as t-tests, ANOVA, and regression, you're better off using specialist software or code (you can also do descriptive statistics with these tools).

You're best off using an approach you've been taught, or that your supervisor or others in your department use.

Not sure which statistical test you need? Use our tool to help you identify an appropriate test for your data:

SPSS

SPSS is used for statistical analysis. The add-on module, SPSS Amos, enables structural equation modelling.

R

R is a programming language and software environment for statistical computing and graphics. We've got a load of resources for R on our Coding Practical Guide:

Python

Python is a coding language which can be used for statistical analyses. We've got a load of resources for Python on our Coding Practical Guide:

Stata

Stata is a general-purpose statistical software package. It's capabilities include data management, statistical analysis, graphics, simulations, and custom programming.

Statistics workshops

Want to brush up your skills with using statistical software? You can use our workshop materials and recordings at any time, or book to attend an upcoming session:

We take an introductory look at some methods of data analysis and communication. We explain the different analyses that spreadsheets, statistical software and qualitative data analysis software can help with, and we investigate some of the principles and practice of data visualisation.

The Maths Skills Centre offers a range of advice and resources relating to maths, statistical analysis and numerical reasoning.

IT Services have a number of software packages for statistical analysis:

Forthcoming sessions on :

There's more training events at: