# Statistical software compared: SPSS, R and Python

Decision workbook and teaching example · 2026-10-06

The completed case is fictional. Its values and decisions are not actual findings; complete your project using relevant permissions, methods and requirements.

- Project: ____________________
- Researcher and role: ____________________
- Date and version: ____________________
- Data seen before the decision: ____________________
- Aim and scope: ____________________

## Completed example

| Stage/decision | Example | Check or action |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Need | Continuous scores across classes | Are outcome and dependence defined? |
| Choice | A suitable method, not just an available menu | Can the team explain it? |
| Input | Units, missing codes and row counts | Does it match the dictionary? |
| Replay | Syntax, do-file or script and version | Can a colleague run it without hidden clicks? |
| Report | Estimate, SE, interval and diagnostics | Is interpretation design-appropriate? |

## Complete your own record

| Topic | Actual decision and reason | Evidence link and status |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Need | __________ | __________ |
| Choice | __________ | __________ |
| Input | __________ | __________ |
| Replay | __________ | __________ |
| Report | __________ | __________ |

## Completion checks

- [ ] Deliver a requirements comparison, saved workflow and interpreted results table.

## Changes and limitations

| Date | Change | Data known at decision time | Reason | Consequence for claim | Reviewer |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| __________ | __________ | __________ | __________ | __________ | __________ |

## Sources and further reading

- [The R Project](https://www.r-project.org/)
- [Python documentation](https://docs.python.org/3/)
- [UCLA Statistical Methods and Data Analytics — G*Power](https://stats.oarc.ucla.edu/other/gpower/)
- [American Statistical Association — Statement on p-values](https://www.amstat.org/asa/files/pdfs/p-valuestatement.pdf)

Related guide: https://didgar-research-site1.vercel.app/en/guides/statistical-software/