Antony Rossini:
Literate Statistical Analysis
*****************************

Literate Statistical Practice (LSP) is an method for statistical
practice which suggests that documentation and specification occur
at the same time as statistical coding. It applies literate
programming (Knuth, 1992) to the practice of statistics. We discuss 2
different approaches for LSP, one currently implemented using Emacs
with Noweb and Emacs Speaks Statistics (ESS), and the other
developed based on eXtensible Markup Language (XML) tools. The
interference needed to change an individual's habits comes at a high
cost, and good tools are critical for encouraging people to switch
to a more literate style. We discuss why LSP can help, and suggest
how ESS can ease the burden placed on the analyst.


A.J. Rossini                            Rsrch. Asst. Prof. of Biostatistics
BlindGlobe Networks (home/default)      rossini@blindglobe.net
UW Biostat/Center for AIDS Research     rossini@u.washington.edu
FHCRC/SCHARP/HIV Vaccine Trials Net     rossini@scharp.org

FHCRC: M/Tu: 206-667-7025 (fax=4812) | Voicemail is pretty sketchy
CFAR:   W/F: 206-731-3647 (fax=3694) | Email is far better than phone
UW:    Th/F: 206-543-1044 (fax=3286) | Change last 4 digits of phone for fax