Abstract
Statistics involves the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data. The analysis, interpretation, and presentation techniques use the excel program. The excel features make it easy for statisticians to conduct researches as the program provides a convenient way to enter data into the program and run to determine the actual outcome of research. In particular, the excel program is applied in the statistical research in different forms. For example, it can be applied to a database which stores data to allow easy retrieval for references if need be. In addition, excel allows the calculation of simple and complex statistical computations. The simple statistical computations include the descriptive statistics which comprise of the medians, mode, and averages. On the other hand, the complex computations involve the inferential statistics like the computation of correlations, regression and data distribution patterns. In addition, excel spread sheets enable the construction of statistical charts and graphs for data presentation as well as the normality in the distribution of the collected statistical data.
Keywords: statistics, Excel, Analysis, Correlation, Data
Introduction
Statistics can be defined as the process of collecting, analyzing, interpretation and presentation of data. The first step, therefore, will begin in the field during the collection of data say for example the number of cars using a certain road per a given time. The data then after it has been collected will be analyzed and interpreted accordingly, after which it will be presented to the intended audience. The last steps that will most require the services of Microsoft excel. Microsoft excel helps in the field of statistics in a number of ways right from performing basic functions like calculating the sum, mean, medium and mode to the more complex statistical and probability test. The way in which the excel is used to perform such activities can be perceived as simple and procedural while at times it can be seen as complex and tactful.
Excel as a Database
In statistics, excel can be used as a database to store data and then retrieved at any time when the need arises. Consider for example a situation whereby data has been collected in the field and its use is not so immediate and therefore needs to be stored somewhere. It will be appropriate to employ the services of a database to store such data. The procedure for creating a database in the Microsoft excels is simple since all an individual need is to create different types of cells (Brase, Charles, &Corinne 60). For example, assign one cell to represent the independent variable and the other cell to represent the depended variable accordingly. By so doing it will be very simple to access the data whenever the need arises. Consequently, excel is very efficient in safely storing the data since it will not be lost when the power is missing.
Excel in Calculating Simple Mathematics
Microsoft excel can be utilized in statistics to calculate simple mathematical operations such as the mean, mode, and medium. It could also be used to calculate even simpler operations such the sum of data collected. To calculate the sum of the data just highlight the column you need the total to then click the fx symbol. After the fx button has been clicked an option will be provided which will then give an option for the dialogue box, scroll down and select SUM then OK. For the case of the mean, medium, and the mode all you need to do is just follow the procedures of the data analysis tool pack. The calculation of the above mathematical operations will majorly depend on the arrangement of the data.
It is advisable that statistical data be arranged appropriately to allow for the Microsoft excel to respond accordingly to the execution of programs installed in it. The data analysis tool pack might not be present in all excel on the PCs however users need to check on the analyses menu to update and install the current versions of the tool pack. Statistics, therefore, become an easy task in analyzing the data using options available in the Microsoft excel.
Excel Used to Compute Correlations
Excel can be utilized in statistics to compute correlations of data by maximizing the options available in the data analysis tools. You begin by choosing a number of contiguous columns through highlighting the columns then get an output matrix of all the columns. The correlation of all the pairs will then be displayed on the screen. However, the correlation will be efficiently calculated if the columns are contiguous to each other. Nevertheless, an updated form of excel package incorporates the use of excel even in non-contiguous columns to get the correlation of the paired data (Kros & David 65). The Excel, when utilized in this manner, will enable the user of the data to further analyze and interpret the data right from the type of output. The kind of correlation output will indicate whether the data collected is related in any way possible.
Excel Used to Insert Graphs and Charts
Microsoft excel is used in statistics to insert graphs and charts of the representation of certain tabular data and information. In order to insert a graph into an excel document, the user will first tabulate data in a form of table and save it on a Microsoft excel spreadsheet. Secondly, he or she needs to highlight the data on different columns then click on the insert option up on the menu. An option will be available that instructs the user to choose the object to be inserted. Select the graph option and a well-defined graph will be placed right on the spot selected. Likewise, for the case of the chart the procedure is almost similar and they both assist in interpreting the data on a pictorial point of view.
This option availed by the Microsoft excel enable statistics to be analyzed and interpreted in the most efficient and elaborate manner. The graphs and charts are essential in observing trends experienced by the data and consequently by the physical phenomenon been studied (Kros & David 77). At first, the procedure for inserting graphs might not work at first as the individual misses one or two core steps but with constant practice, it will be perfect carrying out such a task.
Excel Used to Compute Normal Distribution
Microsoft Excel can be used to compute normal distribution such as probability test and data distribution from the mean. Consider for example the probability of getting less than a certain value in a normal distribution (Brase, Charles, &Corinne 120). Take for example on a SAT score the mean deviation is 500 and the standard deviation been 100. From the above example look for the probability of scoring less than 600, more than 600 and even the probability of getting a value between 400 and 600. Using excel the above task becomes rather easier because the options available in the Excel are very efficient in calculating such options.
First, you select the column where the answer is desired to appear on within the cells then accordingly select the ‘'insert pull-down'' option. After clicking the function option, a paste dialogue will appear that gives options then choose statistically (Brase, Charles, &Corinne 120). After you have selected statistical then more options will pop-in but then proceed to select the option NORMDIST then accordingly select OK. The normal distributions of the data selected will be displayed on the screen and further analysis is done on the data.
Conclusion
Furthermore, statistical conclusions are based on the accuracy of the evidence provided from the analysis. Therefore, the statistical conclusions need to have high accuracy levels for such conclusion to be made. Consequently, only the application of an excel program in the analysis will guarantee such accuracy levels.
Works Cited
Brase, Charles Henry, and Corinne Pellillo Brase. Understanding Basic Statistics, Enhanced. Cengage Learning, 2016.
Kros, John F., and David A. Rosenthal.Statistics for Health Care Management and Administration: Working with Excel.John Wiley & Sons, 2016.
