What? Programming advice booth, where JSM attendees can get advice about data collection, coding, statistical programming, and debugging

Where? Adjacent to registration area

When? August 1–4

Who? Staffed by SSPA members

The Section for Statistical Programmers and Analysts (SSPA) will pilot test a new idea at JSM 2010—a programming advice booth (PAB). Well, it’s not exactly a booth; it will be more like a table. Members of SSPA will staff the table throughout JSM, offering participants advice about statistical programming, data coding, data collection, and other tasks related to statistical programming.

The PAB is a strong resource for students, statistical programmers and analysts, applied statisticians, and researchers and investigators who are managing their first study. Let the PAB staff do the following:

• Address your general or specific programming or data management questions
• Advise you on beginner to advanced programming or data management challenges
• Assist in debugging your coding snarls
• Give you insight on data collection options
• Address your data platform challenges

Bring a printed copy of your program, code, or compilation log, since the PAB staff may not have access to the specific software you are using. Also, outline your questions to the extent possible prior to visiting the PAB.

The PAB will be adjacent to the JSM registration area. Check the table for specific hours.

The idea for the PAB was initiated at JSM 2009 in Washington, DC—SSPA’s first official JSM—by Steve Yao, SSPA’s first chair, and Monica Johnston, section representative to the Council of Sections. Although an actual booth was not feasible this year, the name stuck. If the PAB is successful, we plan to explore making it a regular fixture at future JSMs. Perhaps we’ll even have a real booth!

For more information, contact Johnston at MJStatConsultant@aol.com.