To illustrate the statistical functions and techniques within Excel we have

used examples drawn for the world of research. We chose to do this because

we believe this will clearly demonstrate some of the facilities within

this spreadsheet. However, the statistical power of Excel will allow readers

to use this software in a variety of ways, far beyond that of research.

Statistics is both a science and an art. It is a science in that it is a body of

knowledge which is built on a series of well established rules of applied

mathematics. Rigorous statistical analysis is required for quantitative research.

There is no argument about how statistical calculations or techniques

are to be performed and if the rules are not followed then incorrect

answers will most probably be produced. However statistics is also

an art that requires a considerable amount of judgement on the part of a

practitioner. Judgements and decisions have to be made that relate to

deciding how a research question should be designed and the role of

data and statistics in answering it. There are issues relating to which statistical

technique to use, what level of significance to work at, and how

the results can be interpreted.