Phase I research will focus on designing a single S-Plus software package that faci1itates use of statistical techniques for the genetic community. In genetics, research is conducted in order to test hypotheses, which are derived from the genetic theory. Having stated a specific hypothesis which seem important to a certain theory, data is collected which should enable the researcher to make a decision concerning the hypothesis. The decision may lead researchers to retain, revise, or reject the hypothesis. To reach an objective decision the researcher must have an objective procedure for rejecting or accepting that hypothesis. This objective procedure should be based on information or data obtained in research. The procedure usually involves several steps. Despite the vast amount of genetic statistical procedures and software that exist to solve problems there is no existing software package that provides comprehensive and easy to use genetic statistical functions for the biomedical researcher. The genetic epidemiology module will include descriptive and exploratory data analysis, methods testing hypotheses about genotype frequencies, random/non-randomness of data, exact tests for independence, computation of likelihoods for genetic models.
Implementation of statistical genetics in an add-on module to the S-Plus software system will find a ready market in all areas of biomedical research, namely academic and other research institutions, and biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. This research will also lead to development of short courses, books, videos and other educational material.
