=========================================================================
Date:         Wed, 12 Jul 2006 16:27:58 -0400
Reply-To:     Joseph Teitelman temp2 <cmtemp2@pgahq.com>
Sender:       "SPSSX(r) Discussion" <SPSSX-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
From:         Joseph Teitelman temp2 <cmtemp2@pgahq.com>
Subject:      Re: Complex Samples - SPSS vs Stat
Comments: To: "Will Bailey [Statman]" <statmanz@earthlink.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

SUDAAN was developed by the Research Triangle Institute, which is
surrounded by Duke, UNC, and NCSU.  As such, SUDAAN is quite popular
around that area of  NC.   WesVar directly competes with SUDAAN.

I've used SUDAAN but not WesVar.

I'd suspect that the only differences between these two packages which
specialize in the analysis of complex and sometime multistage sampling
survey data.

In the 90s, neither SAS nor SPSS provided facilities for analyziing
survey data.  Now, both software packages perform analyses of survey
data.  Yet, they were never developed to specialize in the analysis of
sample survey data.  Whereas, SUDAAN and WesVar were.

Since you probably don't have 1000 dollars to purchase SUDAAN or
WesVar, I'd suggest that you use the SPSS add-on developed for that very
purpose.  Personally, I'm a SAS user, but have been forced to learn SPSS
as part of my job.

I hope this information proves helpful

Joe Teitelman
>>> "Will Bailey [Statman]" <statmanz@earthlink.net> 7/11/2006 8:27 AM
>>>
There also is Westat's WesVar and SUDAAN

One point, IMHO, none is better than the other only a personal
preference.
Also, each handles the sample development slightly different.

The SPSS module is fully integrated into SPSS and a great benefit if
one's
primary stat pack is SPSS. WesVar & SUDAAN are pretty much standalone.
I
have used WesVar for several years but know very little about the
SUDAAN.

W

-----Original Message-----
From: SPSSX(r) Discussion [mailto:SPSSX-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU] On Behalf
Of
Kristina
Sent: Monday, July 10, 2006 7:53 PM
To: SPSSX-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU
Subject: Complex Samples - SPSS vs Stat

I am using a national dataset that employs a complex sampling design.
I
understand the reasons for using software that accounts for the
weighting
and complex sampling design. However, I see that there are a few
statistical
packages available to assist with complex samples. I would like to use
either SPSS Complex Samples or Stata. Is one package better, easier,
etc.
than the other?
Thanks,