An examination of statistical software packages for parametric and nonparametric data analyses using exact methods

This review evaluates five statistical software packages that are devoted primarily to, or contain a strong component in, exact statistical tests and procedures. The five packages are LogXact, SAS, SPSS, Stata, and StatXact. Only Windows versions of these packages are evaluated. They are examined according to various criteria that should be of interest to anyone who needs to perform either exact or asymptotic parametric or nonparametric data analyses. It is shown that the software packages differ in their capabilities for exact methods, in how these methods are implemented, and in their potential user audiences. Recommendations for users and developers of these software packages are provided. KEY WORDS: Statistical computing; Categorical data analysis; Statistical software testing