<blockquote>
  <p><strong>Possible Duplicate:</strong><br>
  <a href="https://stats.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/252/should-we-allow-more-computing-questions">Should we allow more computing questions</a>  </p>
</blockquote>



<p>I noticed there are a few discussions already about whether or not to allow for programming questions, like <a href="https://stats.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/35/how-much-programming-here">here</a> and <a href="https://stats.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/252/should-we-allow-more-computing-questions">here</a>. I assume most people currently on the side program either in R, Stata, SAS or SPSS. Yet, there is a multitude of other statistical software, and often researchers use the menus of any of those packages. </p>

<p>Personally, I would allow for questions regarding software, including questions about data manipulation. For R it has been argued that this belongs on SO, but for SAS, SPSS, Stata, there is no room there. Let alone for questions related to Minitab, Phylip, and other more specialized packages. GIS for example is often used in spatial statistics.</p>

<p>So not only questions like "where can I find this type of analysis in software Y?", but also questions like "I can't get my data read in, where am I going wrong?". I consider data manipulation an essential part of practical statistics, and would vote to allow those questions here as well. </p>

<p>On the other hand, this also holds the risk of diluting interesting theoretical discussions about statistics. Then again, most researchers looking for statistical advice aren't really helped with a theoretical rant. They often need some intuitive explanation of the tool, and a guide on how to start performing the analysis.</p>

<p>I add this question as I would like to extend the discussion (and decision) to all used software in statistics. </p>
