Scripting Workshop

Interactive Demonstrations of Statistical Concepts Using JMP

The materials provided below are from the Interactive Demonstrations of Statistical Concepts Using JMP workshop presented by Dr. Mark Bailey at the Joint Statistical Meetings. These materials are available free of charge. For comments, suggestions, or ideas, please contact Dr. Mark Bailey at .

Statistical science is profound and often counter-intuitive. Rigorous mathematical presentations of these theories may be correct and complete but essential ideas may be lost on the students. The most important principles of the theory may not be conspicuous through traditional teaching materials. Computer technology can make a theory more understandable and the lessons more compelling. In addition to simulation and statistical data visualization, computer animation and interactivity make the ideas come alive.

A new library of educational demonstrations was developed after three years of research by the Statistical Training and Technical Services department at SAS Institute. The scope of topics is growing and the solutions range from simple to sublime. In all cases, the computer is utilized to stimulate thinking and exploration while reducing tedium: handle complex computation, display vivid and precise graphs, and provide direct interaction with the simulation and graphics.

Some demonstrations benefit by direct use of the JMP data table and analytical or graphical platforms. Others are better enabled through scripting JMP with advanced graphing functions or matrix language elements. In either case, every other feature of JMP remains available for further exploration and instruction. You will learn how to put all of these elements together in a complete statistical laboratory for a more effective learning experience.

This workshop is intended for high school teachers, college and university professors, professional trainers and anyone with an interest in how to best portray statistical ideas. Familiarity with JMP is helpful but not required.