A suite of visual languages for statistical survey specification

Abstract

We describe SDL, an integrated suite of visual languages aimed at supporting the process of designing statistical surveys. SDL comprises four diagrammatic notations: survey diagrams, survey data diagrams, survey analysis diagrams and survey process diagrams. A proof of concept environment supporting SDL is also presented, together with a cognitive dimensions evaluation of that environment and a cognitive walkthrough evaluation with a target end user - a professional statistician. These demonstrate the utility of SDL and lead us to propose development of a more comprehensive environment supporting the entire statistical survey process.