Basic Analysis and Graphing - SAS

Chapter 2 Performing Univariate Analysis 31
Overview of the Distribution Platform
Overview of the Distribution Platform
The treatment of variables in the Distribution platform is different, depending on the modeling type of
variable, which can be categorical (nominal or ordinal) or continuous.
Categorical Variables
For categorical variables, the initial graph that appears is a histogram. The histogram shows a bar for each
level of the ordinal or nominal variable. You can also add a divided (mosaic) bar chart.
The reports show counts and proportions. You can add confidence intervals and test the probabilities.
Continuous Variables
For numeric continuous variables, the initial graphs show a histogram and an outlier box plot. The
histogram shows a bar for grouped values of the continuous variable. The following options are also
available:
• quantile box plot
• normal quantile plot
• stem and leaf plot
• CDF plot
The reports show selected quantiles and summary statistics. Report options are available for the following:
• saving ranks, probability scores, normal quantile values, and so on, as new columns in the data table
• testing the mean and standard deviation of the column against a constant you specify
• fitting various distributions and nonparametric smoothing curves
• performing a capability analysis for a quality control application
• confidence intervals, prediction intervals, and tolerance intervals
Example of the Distribution Platform
Suppose that you have data on 40 students, and you want to see the distribution of age and height among
the students.
1. Open the Big Class.jmp sample data table.
2. Select Analyze > Distribution.
3. Select age and height and click Y, Columns.
4. Click OK.