Herman Rubin wrote:

> In article <8476b5$j7$[EMAIL PROTECTED]>,
> Thomas A Torda <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> >I am a statistical near-illiterate, trying to write an introduction to stats
> >for real stats illiterates, using Excel data analysis functions. I have
> >problems with some of the procedures and would be interested to know the
> >algorithms used. Does anyone know whether these can be found or whether
> >anything has been written on the use of Excel as a stats resource?
> >The covariance and the two factor Anova especially appear a bit odd.
> >Thanks,
> >Tom Torda
> >[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
> What are you trying to do?  What you should be doing is
> pointing out what problems are answered, and what it
> means.  Knowing how to compute is at best useless, if one
> does not know what the meaning of the results.
>
> In fact, it can be far worse than useless.  It is putting
> a loaded statistical gun in the hands of a statistical
> ignoramus.  One does not teach the mechanics of brain
> surgery to someone ignorant of anatomy and physiology.
>
> --
> This address is for information only.  I do not claim that these views
> are those of the Statistics Department or of Purdue University.
> Herman Rubin, Dept. of Statistics, Purdue Univ., West Lafayette IN47907-1399
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]         Phone: (765)494-6054   FAX: (765)494-0558

I take the liberty of adding one to that:
    You don't need a statistician ---
        to push the right data through the wrong computer procedure
        NOR EVEN TO PUBLISH THE RESULTS.
bill knight
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

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