Data analysis for research
Popular spreadsheet
This is the typical software to do basic (or even advance) data analysis. What I really like about these spreadsheets is that I can customize the input and output (such as changing colors). Although I use the following section to perform statistical analysis, I always prepare a preliminar dataset using one of the following software.
(1.1) M.O. Excel is the main spreadsheet that I use to prepare my dataset before using a specific statistical package. What I love most is that I can color the cells, which is very visual for reviewing the dataset.
(1.2) Well, this is a great alternative for Excel. Sometimes I used the iCloud version, specially when I have to use a computer that is not mine.
(1.3) This is also a wonderful alternative for Excel and Numbers.
Data analysis software
When the spreadsheet is digitally prepared, I use specific software to conduct the analysis.
(2.1) This is the most important statistical software in which I conduct the majority of statistical analysis. I really love the Graphical User Interface and the way IBM enable you to execute simple and complex analysis. It is very intuitive.
(2.2) PSPP is the free alternative of SPSS.
(3.1) R is a programming language very useful to perform complex statistical analysis. You can create specific operations or use different functions by the myriad of macros available on the Internet. In addition, there is a powerful and interesting community around R. R only works by syntax (no Graphical User Interface such SPSS)
(3.2) This is the "friendly" version of R. I love this application too, and help me to understand the operations and the syntax behind R.
(4.1) A good (and free) alternative to SPSS or R is Jamovi. Here, you can conduct simple and complex data analysis in a user-friendly environment.
(4.2) JASP is an interesting alternative to Jamovi and the aforementioned software.
(5.1) Finally, Orange is a creative and relevant way to perform statistical analysis. It is very warm. I am sure that you will not consider Statistics boring anymore.
SR and MA
When it comes to Systematic Reviews (SR) and Meta-analyses (MA), I prefer using specific software (although the previous ones have good macros to conduct meta-analysis).
(1) This is where I administrate my personal library of articles and handbooks when I conduct a systematic review. I recommend this application to everyone who is in the field of scientific research. Mendeley is also very useful to create citations and references.
(2) CADIMA help me to follow the necessary steps to conduct a Systematic Review (SR) and Meta-analysis. Here is when my colleagues and I perform the consistency check of the eligibility criteria of the candidates studies.
(3) This is an intuitive software to perform meta-analyses. However, it is only available in Windows. You can use it on Mac with Virtual Machines.
(4) ProMeta 3 is an interesting free alternative to CMA.
(5) If you are going to do a Cochrane Systematic Review and/or Meta-analysis, I strongly recommend you RevMan.
