Integrating SAS® and JMP® into the Research Process Moves Analytics from the Statistician’s Desktop to the Laboratory Benchtop
John Davies Jr., Research Physicist, Edgewood Chemical Biological Center, US Army
The Decontamination Sciences Branch (DSB) of the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) makes an effort to spread statistical knowledge and awareness throughout the organization. Experience shows that it especially beneficial for those who are running experiments and generating data to be proficient in basic statistical tests such as t-test, ANOVA, and Tukey-Kramer. The DSB uses SAS JMP® and has incorporated it into all levels of decontamination research ranging from ANOVA to multivariate regression analysis and DOE. In addition to the analysis of single day tests, JMP® was recently utilized for a methodology validation using ISO 5725. The interactive capabilities and dynamic visual analytics were useful not only as a tool for statistical analysis but also as a vehicle to help permeate statistical understanding throughout the DSB from principal investigators to laboratory technicians. Because JMP® has a wide range of capabilities, from advanced analysis to univariate distribution functions combined with embedded help features, it supports the advanced or novice analyst. This flexibility gives JMP® a wide appeal that makes it particularly well suited for use throughout all levels of the organization. The ability to rapidly view data from many different perspectives, make discoveries, and quantitatively support conclusions is both satisfying and empowering to the individual. As more individuals experience hands-on data exploration, data analysis evolves from qualitative generalizations (“gut feelings”) toward analysis based on numerical statistical calculations.