Statistics Resources

Start with the question you are actually asking. Work down to a named test, then to how to run it in your software.

1

What data?

Design and data questions – before you pick a test.

16 resources

2

What type of research question?

The decision tree – work down to a named test.

72 resources

3

Software how-tos

How to actually run it, in the package you use.

26 resources

4

General

Cross-cutting material that applies whatever test you land on.

40 resources

1What data?

Design and data questions – before you pick a test.

1.1  Collecting your own data 11
Sampling frame and sampling strategy 3
Different types of sampling 3
Using research panels such as Prolific 1
  • Prolific
    Research participant panel
    Tool
Data collection strategy (in person, online) 1
Questionnaires, experiments 3
1.2  Using secondary data 5
Types of secondary data 4
Data characteristics and data cleaning 1

2What type of research question?

The decision tree – work down to a named test.

2.1  Group comparisons (differences across groups) 33
Two groups → t-test 14
Three+ groups → ANOVA 14
Categorical outcomes → Chi-square test of independence 4
Discipline-specific 1
2.2  Relationships between variables 38
Association → Correlation 12
Association → Regression 12
Causal → Instrumental variables 4
Causal → Regression discontinuity designs 4
Causal → Difference-in-differences 4
Discipline-specific 2
  • PROCESS macro (Hayes)
    Mediation, moderation and conditional process analysis
    Tool
  • Foundations and Advanced Topics of PLS-SEM using SmartPLS 4 no link yet
    Two courses on PLS-SEM from the SmartPLS creators, with online clinic support
    Course
2.3  Prediction / forecasts 1
Discipline-specific 1

3Software how-tos

How to actually run it, in the package you use.

3.1  R and RStudio 13
3.2  SPSS 6
3.3  JASP and jamovi 2
  • jamovi analysis guide
    Analyses in jamovi and how they map to R
    Webpage
  • JASP
    Free open-source GUI for R-backed analysis; frequentist and Bayesian
    Tool
3.4  GraphPad Prism 1
3.6  Excel and XLSTAT 3
3.7  Across packages 1
  • Statistics Globe
    R- and data-focused tutorials across a wide range of analyses
    VideoChannel

4General

Cross-cutting material that applies whatever test you land on.

4.1  Choosing a test (overview guides) 26
4.2  Assumptions, effect sizes and power 6
4.3  Open and robust research practice 4
4.4  Bayesian methods 4

—Browse everything

Every resource on this page, searchable and sortable.

ResourceWhat it coversWhere it sitsType
Maths Support: Sampling methods (sampling frame)Library-curated collection on sampling methods1.1 Sampling frame and sampling strategyLibGuide
Sampling - Introduction, Population Definition, and Sampling FramesCovers population definition and sampling frame together.1.1 Sampling frame and sampling strategyVideo
Sample, Sampling Unit and Sampling FrameDistinguishes the three terms with simple examples.1.1 Sampling frame and sampling strategyVideo
Maths Support: Sampling methodsLibrary-curated collection on sampling methods1.1 Different types of samplingLibGuide
What is sampling in research: Sampling Methods, Types and Techniques ExplainedOverview of sampling method types.1.1 Different types of samplingVideo
Sampling Frame: Meaning, Example and Use in ResearchReal-life examples.1.1 Different types of samplingVideo
ProlificResearch participant panel1.1 Using research panels such as ProlificTool
Maths Support: Collecting dataLibrary-curated collection on how to collect data1.1 Data collection strategy (in person, online)LibGuide
How To Design A Questionnaire Or Survey (Research Methods Tutorial)Aimed at beginner researchers and students.1.1 Questionnaires, experimentsVideo
Survey Questionnaire Design for BeginnersBasics of designing online surveys.1.1 Questionnaires, experimentsVideo
Designing Survey Questionnaire, Data Collection and Other IssuesCovers instrumentation and data collection alongside questionnaire design.1.1 Questionnaires, experimentsVideo
UoR Library: Finding statistics guideSources of statistical data, from demographics to economics1.2 Types of secondary dataLibGuide
Getting started with secondary analysisKey issues to consider when using secondary data.1.2 Types of secondary dataVideo
Dissertation projects: Introduction to secondary analysis for qualitative and quantitative dataAimed at dissertation students.1.2 Types of secondary dataVideo
Finding And Using Secondary Data In ResearchCovers how to find secondary data.1.2 Types of secondary dataVideo
Using Secondary Data In Your Research1.2 Data characteristics and data cleaningVideo
The Paired t-Test (JMP)Paired t-test overview, formulae, graphical representation, examples2.1 Two groups → t-testWebpage
SPSS Tutorials: Paired Samples t Test (Kent State)Step-by-step paired t-test in SPSS2.1 Two groups → t-testLibGuide
The t tests - Statistics at Square One ch.7 (BMJ)Detailed t-test overview with formulae and exercises2.1 Two groups → t-testBook
Statistics at Square One, 12th ed. (Campbell)Introduction to medical statistics; UoR e-book2.1 Two groups → t-testBook
Mann-Whitney U Test (StatsTutor)Steps for the Mann-Whitney U test by hand and briefly in SPSS2.1 Two groups → t-testPDF
Mann-Whitney U-Test in R Studio (Lincoln)Mann-Whitney U in R Studio2.1 Two groups → t-testLibGuide
Mann-Whitney U Test using SPSS (Laerd)Step-by-step Mann-Whitney U in SPSS2.1 Two groups → t-testWebpage
Non-parametric tests (UoR lecture material)UoR extra material on non-parametric tests2.1 Two groups → t-testPDF
UCLA OARC: which test? - independent-samples t-testCode for independent-samples t-test in SAS, Stata, SPSS and R2.1 Two groups → t-testWebpage
How to Do a T-Test using Excelt-test in Excel2.1 Two groups → t-testVideo
Wilcoxon-Test (Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test)Beginner overview: assumptions, key terms, examples2.1 Two groups → t-testVideo
R Tutorial: Comparing two related groups (paired t-test / Wilcoxon)Paired comparison in R Studio2.1 Two groups → t-testVideo
How to Use SPSS: Wilcoxon Matched Pairs TestShort, task-focused walkthrough2.1 Two groups → t-testVideo
Mann-Whitney U Test (Simply explained)Beginner overview of the non-parametric independent-groups test2.1 Two groups → t-testVideo
The Ultimate Guide to ANOVA (GraphPad)ANOVA overview, assumptions and FAQs2.1 Three+ groups → ANOVAWebpage
Analysis of Variance (Explorable)How to calculate and interpret ANOVA2.1 Three+ groups → ANOVAWebpage
One-way ANOVA statistical guide (Laerd)One-way ANOVA overview, assumptions, non-normal data2.1 Three+ groups → ANOVAWebpage
Analysis of Variance (DATAtab)ANOVA overview; distinguishes ANOVA from t-test; effect sizes2.1 Three+ groups → ANOVAWebpage
One-Way ANOVA Test in R (STHDA)Writing, visualising and reporting one-way ANOVA in R2.1 Three+ groups → ANOVAWebpage
ANOVA: Definition, Types, Examples, SPSS (StatisticsHowTo)ANOVA overview with videos and an SPSS walkthrough2.1 Three+ groups → ANOVAWebpage
What is analysis of variance? (LinkedIn Learning)4-minute video overview of ANOVA and its terms2.1 Three+ groups → ANOVACourse
ANCOVA overview (Portland State)ANCOVA overview, mathematical terms, rationale for use2.1 Three+ groups → ANOVAPDF
ANCOVA: Uses, Assumptions & Example (Statistics by Jim)ANCOVA overview; distinguishes ANOVA from ANCOVA2.1 Three+ groups → ANOVAWebpage
Conduct and Interpret a One-Way ANCOVA (Statistics Solutions)ANCOVA key concepts and terms2.1 Three+ groups → ANOVAWebpage
ANCOVA in R (DataNovia)Writing and reporting ANCOVA in R Studio2.1 Three+ groups → ANOVAWebpage
ANCOVA in SPSS (StatsTutor / Sheffield)Step-by-step ANCOVA in SPSS2.1 Three+ groups → ANOVAPDF
ANOVA (UoR lecture material)UoR extra material on ANOVA2.1 Three+ groups → ANOVAPDF
UCLA OARC: which test? - one-way ANOVACode for one-way ANOVA in SAS, Stata, SPSS and R2.1 Three+ groups → ANOVAWebpage
Maths Support: Categories (Chi-squared tests)Chi-squared test of independence and goodness of fit2.1 Categorical outcomes → Chi-square test of independenceLibGuide
Chi-Square Test of Independence: Contingency Table and Hypothesis Test2.1 Categorical outcomes → Chi-square test of independenceVideo
What Are The Assumptions for the Chi-Square Test of Independence?2.1 Categorical outcomes → Chi-square test of independenceVideo
Chi-square Test for Independence: Step-by-Step TutorialStep-by-step walkthrough.2.1 Categorical outcomes → Chi-square test of independenceVideo
Evidence Based Medicine: an overview (UoR lecture slides)UoR lecture slides on evidence-based medicine2.1 Discipline-specificPDF
Correlation (JMP)Correlation overview and interpreting the p-value2.2 Association → CorrelationWebpage
Common pitfalls in statistical analysis: use of correlation techniquesWhen correlation is inappropriate (Perspectives in Clinical Research, 2016)2.2 Association → CorrelationPDF
Correlation and regression - Statistics at Square One ch.11Correlation and regression chapter2.2 Association → CorrelationBook
SPSS Tutorials: Pearson Correlation (Kent State)Step-by-step Pearson correlation in SPSS2.2 Association → CorrelationLibGuide
Correlation Test Between Two Variables in R (STHDA)Pearson correlation in R Studio2.2 Association → CorrelationWebpage
Kendall's Tau (DATAtab)Kendall's Tau overview2.2 Association → CorrelationWebpage
The Kendall Rank Correlation Coefficient (UT Dallas)Advanced treatment of Kendall's Tau2.2 Association → CorrelationPDF
Kendall's Tau-b using SPSS (Laerd)Step-by-step Kendall's Tau in SPSS2.2 Association → CorrelationWebpage
Spearman's Rank-Order Correlation using SPSS (Laerd)Step-by-step Spearman correlation in SPSS2.2 Association → CorrelationWebpage
Spearman Rank Correlation in R (RPubs)Spearman correlation in R Studio2.2 Association → CorrelationWebpage
UCLA OARC: which test? - correlationCode for correlation in SAS, Stata, SPSS and R2.2 Association → CorrelationWebpage
Introduction to Correlation Analysis in ExcelCorrelation in Excel2.2 Association → CorrelationVideo
Penn State STAT 501/504Free online courses on regression and categorical data2.2 Association → RegressionCourse
Regression and Other Stories - Gelman, Hill & VehtariApplied regression, with emphasis on sample size and missing data2.2 Association → RegressionBook
Regression and Correlation worksheet (Newcastle)Regression analysis in worksheet format2.2 Association → RegressionPDF
Simple Linear Regression with R (Boston University SPH)Simple linear regression in R Studio2.2 Association → RegressionWebpage
Linear Regression using SPSS (Laerd)Simple linear regression in SPSS2.2 Association → RegressionWebpage
Multiple Linear Regression (Yale)Multiple linear regression overview2.2 Association → RegressionWebpage
Multiple linear regression made simple (Stats and R)Multiple linear regression in R Studio2.2 Association → RegressionWebpage
Multiple Regression Analysis using SPSS (Laerd)Multiple linear regression in SPSS2.2 Association → RegressionWebpage
UCLA OARC: which test? - multiple regressionCode for multiple regression in SAS, Stata, SPSS and R2.2 Association → RegressionWebpage
zedstatisticsDeep-dives on regression, distributions and hypothesis testing2.2 Association → RegressionVideo
Introduction to Simple Linear RegressionEntry-level introduction to regression2.2 Association → RegressionVideo
Multiple Linear Regression, The Very BasicsBasic terms for multiple regression2.2 Association → RegressionVideo
An intuitive introduction to Instrumental VariablesIntuition for instrumental variables and two-stage least squares.2.2 Causal → Instrumental variablesVideo
Instrumental Variables - an introductionTeaches instrumental variables through Angrist's 1990 Vietnam draft-lottery study.2.2 Causal → Instrumental variablesVideo
The Logic of Instrumental Variables (Causal Inference Bootcamp)2.2 Causal → Instrumental variablesVideo
Identification, Part 3: Instrumental VariablesFrames instrumental variables as an identification strategy.2.2 Causal → Instrumental variablesVideo
An intuitive introduction to Regression Discontinuity2.2 Causal → Regression discontinuity designsVideo
Regression Discontinuity - An Introduction to the IntuitionIntuition-first introduction to the design.2.2 Causal → Regression discontinuity designsVideo
Data Science Research Methods: Regression discontinuity designCovers the sharp vs fuzzy distinction, which shorter intros tend to skip.2.2 Causal → Regression discontinuity designsVideo
WWC Regression Discontinuity Design Training, Module 2From the US Department of Education's What Works Clearinghouse.2.2 Causal → Regression discontinuity designsVideo
Difference in Differences (The Effect, Videos on Causality, Ep 51)Companion to Nick Huntington-Klein's open-access textbook 'The Effect'.2.2 Causal → Difference-in-differencesVideo
Difference-in-Differences OverviewFrom a full online causal inference course.2.2 Causal → Difference-in-differencesVideo
The Intuitive Guide to Difference in Differences EstimationExplanation plus examples.2.2 Causal → Difference-in-differencesVideo
Causal Inference: A Simple Difference-in-Difference ModelIncludes a Stata demonstration.2.2 Causal → Difference-in-differencesVideo
PROCESS macro (Hayes)Mediation, moderation and conditional process analysis2.2 Discipline-specificTool
Foundations and Advanced Topics of PLS-SEM using SmartPLS 4Two courses on PLS-SEM from the SmartPLS creators, with online clinic support2.2 Discipline-specificCourse
Cross-validation FAQComplete guide to cross-validation issues2.3 Discipline-specificWebpage
STHDAPractical R walkthroughs for common analyses3.1 R and RStudioWebpage
R for Data Science (free online book)Data handling, visualisation and analysis in R3.1 R and RStudioBook
PsyTeachRStatistics and R teaching resources for psychology/social science3.1 R and RStudioCourse
PsyTeachR - Reproducible Research Statistics TextbookOnline statistics textbook using R, with exercises, from UG to advanced3.1 R and RStudioCourse
R Documentation (DataCamp)Reference documentation for R3.1 R and RStudioWebpage
Coding Club TutorialsTutorials across statistical coding programmes3.1 R and RStudioCourse
Statistical Tools for High-Throughput Data Analysis (STHDA)Practical R walkthroughs for common analyses3.1 R and RStudioWebpage
Coding Club (including R) and Advanced Analytical Pipelines - UoRUoR grassroots coding club3.1 R and RStudioCourse
List of R ResourcesCompiled list of R textbooks, training resources and cheat sheets3.1 R and RStudioOther
Quick-R (statmethods.net)Introduction to R for beginners3.1 R and RStudioWebpage
The R Project for Statistical ComputingOfficial R site: manuals, FAQs, downloads3.1 R and RStudioWebpage
RseekSearch engine for R help3.1 R and RStudioWebpage
LinkedIn Learning: Learning RCurated LinkedIn Learning collection on R3.1 R and RStudioCourse
IBM SPSS - Nonparametric Tests documentationWhat SPSS offers for non-parametric analysis3.2 SPSSWebpage
SPSS Survival Manual (Pallant) & Discovering Statistics (Field)Two standard SPSS textbooks for students running their own analyses3.2 SPSSBook
Accessing SPSS at UoR (software store)How UoR staff and students get SPSS3.2 SPSSWebpage
LinkedIn Learning: SPSS coursesCurated LinkedIn Learning collection on SPSS3.2 SPSSCourse
Prof Andy FieldSPSS, R, statistics and research-methods teaching3.2 SPSSVideo
BrunelASK - SPSS tutorialsSPSS: t-tests, ANOVA, correlation, regression, non-parametric tests3.2 SPSSVideo
jamovi analysis guideAnalyses in jamovi and how they map to R3.3 JASP and jamoviWebpage
JASPFree open-source GUI for R-backed analysis; frequentist and Bayesian3.3 JASP and jamoviTool
GraphPad Statistics GuideExplanations of common tests and their assumptions in Prism3.4 GraphPad PrismWebpage
XLSTATExcel statistics add-in; 14-day free trial3.6 Excel and XLSTATTool
XLSTAT support centreXLSTAT tutorials and videos3.6 Excel and XLSTATWebpage
LinkedIn Learning: Using Excel for statistical analysisCurated LinkedIn Learning collection on Excel for statistics3.6 Excel and XLSTATCourse
Statistics GlobeR- and data-focused tutorials across a wide range of analyses3.7 Across packagesVideo
UCLA OARC - Choosing the Correct Statistical TestPick a test by variable type and design; code for SPSS/Stata/SAS/R4.1 Choosing a test (overview guides)Webpage
Laerd Statistics - Test SelectorStep-by-step support for choosing and running tests4.1 Choosing a test (overview guides)Webpage
Statistics By JimIntuitive explanations of tests, assumptions and interpretation4.1 Choosing a test (overview guides)Webpage
UoR Maths Support - statistics LibGuideReading's own statistics support guide4.1 Choosing a test (overview guides)LibGuide
UoR Pharmacology Research Project Guide - statisticsReading's own subject guide statistics section4.1 Choosing a test (overview guides)LibGuide
UoR MPharm Research Project Guide - statisticsReading's own subject guide statistics section4.1 Choosing a test (overview guides)LibGuide
Shravan Vasishth's Statistics Course WebsiteFree courses covering both frequentist and Bayesian statistics4.1 Choosing a test (overview guides)Course
Stats and R BlogBlog covering test choice (incl. a decision tree), specific tests and visualisation, with R code4.1 Choosing a test (overview guides)Webpage
UoR Library LibGuide: Statistics Support ResourcesReading's own statistics support guide, incl. LinkedIn Learning and Integral for HE4.1 Choosing a test (overview guides)LibGuide
Online Training Resources for Stats Beginners (University of Southampton)Short recorded sessions on core concepts and tests, with quizzes4.1 Choosing a test (overview guides)Course
Kelvin's Stats Tools WebpageActivities, games and quizzes for learning statistics4.1 Choosing a test (overview guides)Webpage
Maths Support: Choosing an appropriate testLibrary-curated collection on choosing a test4.1 Choosing a test (overview guides)LibGuide
Maths Support: What statistical test should I do?Library-curated decision support for picking a test4.1 Choosing a test (overview guides)LibGuide
Oxford Dictionary of StatisticsReference dictionary for statistical terms4.1 Choosing a test (overview guides)Book
Maths Support: Statistics for PhD studentsLibrary statistics support page aimed at PhD researchers4.1 Choosing a test (overview guides)LibGuide
StatsTutorFree national bank of statistics tutorials, worksheets and videos4.1 Choosing a test (overview guides)Webpage
Introduction to hypothesis testing (SAGE chapter)Free book chapter introducing hypothesis testing4.1 Choosing a test (overview guides)PDF
Elements of Statistics for Pharmacology (UoR lecture slides)UoR lecture slides on data representation, replication, hypothesis testing4.1 Choosing a test (overview guides)PDF
UoR statistics workshop: hypothesis testing simulationsRecorded workshop walking through statistical tests step by step, with datasets4.1 Choosing a test (overview guides)Course
Basic Statistics for Life Sciences (Eisner & Tomek, 2025)Concise handbook of essential statistical techniques for life sciences4.1 Choosing a test (overview guides)Book
Statistics Explained (Hinton)General introduction to statistics4.1 Choosing a test (overview guides)Book
Statistics for Non-Statisticians (Madsen)Introduction aimed at readers without a statistics background4.1 Choosing a test (overview guides)Book
StatQuest with Josh StarmerClear explanations of regression, logistic regression, ANOVA, p-values, ML4.1 Choosing a test (overview guides)Video
MarinStatsLecturesR, ANOVA, regression, chi-square, bootstrapping, permutation tests4.1 Choosing a test (overview guides)Video
jbstatisticsExam-friendly walkthroughs of core inferential statistics4.1 Choosing a test (overview guides)Video
Khan Academy - Statistics & ProbabilityFree structured lessons from the basics upward4.1 Choosing a test (overview guides)Video
G*PowerFree tool for power analysis and sample-size planning4.2 Assumptions, effect sizes and powerTool
Maths Support: Effect SizeLibrary-curated collection on effect size4.2 Assumptions, effect sizes and powerLibGuide
Maths Support: Power AnalysesLibrary-curated collection on power analysis4.2 Assumptions, effect sizes and powerLibGuide
Maths Support: Error analysisLibrary-curated collection on error analysis4.2 Assumptions, effect sizes and powerLibGuide
Maths Support: Standard deviationsLibrary-curated collection on standard deviations4.2 Assumptions, effect sizes and powerLibGuide
Testing normality in SPSS (StatsTutor)Short video tutorial on checking normality in SPSS4.2 Assumptions, effect sizes and powerWebpage
The Art of Statistics: Learning from Data - David SpiegelhalterConceptual introduction to statistics; argues against over-reliance on significance testing4.3 Open and robust research practiceBook
Halsey et al. (2015). The fickle P value generates irreproducible results. Nature Methods, 12(3), 179-185.Why p-values are unstable across replications4.3 Open and robust research practicePDF
PsyTeachR SIPS 2019 Workshop - Reproducible Methods Teaching ResourcesWorkshop materials on adapting research-methods teaching to reproducible methods in R4.3 Open and robust research practiceCourse
Lectures on Statistics and the History of the Scientific MethodPhilosophical background plus the basics of frequentist interpretation4.3 Open and robust research practiceCourse
Prior Choice Recommendations (Stan Wiki)How to choose priors for Bayesian models4.4 Bayesian methodsWebpage
Bayesian Data Analysis - Gelman, Carlin, Stern, Dunson, Vehtari & RubinStandard handbook of Bayesian methods in applied statistics4.4 Bayesian methodsBook
Bayesian Data Analysis Course (Aalto University)Free online course accompanying the Bayesian Data Analysis book4.4 Bayesian methodsCourse
Bayesian Methods Community of Practice - UoRAdvanced UoR community of practice on Bayesian methods4.4 Bayesian methodsOther