Teaching Statistical Computing using Computer Packages

A second course in statistics, for nonstatisticians who will use packaged statistical software in their work, is outlined.The course is directed toward the wise choice, use, and evaluation of statistical computer packages.The goal of the course is to train educated consumers of statistical programs.Particular attention is paid to computer-based data analysis, interpretation of output, comparison of competing packages, and statistical problems that arise when computers are employed to analyze large data sets.