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.
- Spreadsheet App
- Paid • Proprietary
- Mac
- Windows
- Android
- iPhone
- Android Tablet
- Windows Phone
- iPad
(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.
- Spreadsheet App
- Free • Proprietary
- Mac
- Online
- iPhone
- iPad
(1.3) This is also a wonderful alternative for Excel and Numbers.
- Spreadsheet App
- Free • Proprietary
- Online
- Android
- iPhone
- Chrome OS
- Android Tablet
- iPad
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.
- Statistical Analyzer
- Paid • Proprietary
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
(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)
- Programming Language
- Free • Open Source
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- BSD
(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.
- Statistical Analyzer
- Free • Open Source
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
(4.2) JASP is an interesting alternative to Jamovi and the aforementioned software.
- Statistical Analyzer
- Free • Open Source
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
(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.
- Free • Open Source
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
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.
- Research Manager
- Freemium • Proprietary
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Online
(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.
- Free • Proprietary
- Online
(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.
- Paid • Proprietary
- Windows
(5) If you are going to do a Cochrane Systematic Review and/or Meta-analysis, I strongly recommend you RevMan.
- Free Personal • Proprietary
- Mac
- Windows
- Online
What is your favorite data analysis software?