Computers in Statistical Research

Abstract

During the years since 1982, research in a small number of leading statistics departments in the United States has undergone a dramatic change as these departments have acquired significant computational resources of their own. Primary support for the acquisition of this equipment has come from the instrumentation programs of the National Science Foundation and the Department of Defense. The purpose of this study is to provide a timely assessment of the current state of computing resources in statistics departments and a projection of future needs. During 1985 the Workshop conducted a mail survey of leading research-doctorate statistics departments and held extensive discussions during two two-day meetings. We have arrived at a series of recommendations directed, variously, at statistics departments, university administrations, professional organizations, and research sponsors.