JASP vs PhET Interactive Simulations

JASP is free desktop statistical software for Linux, macOS, and Windows, designed to run analyses through a graphical interface without programming. It offers standard procedures in both frequentist and Bayesian forms, with modules for descriptives, t-tests, ANOVA, regression, meta-analysis, machine learning, structural equation modeling, survival, and time series. The spreadsheet-style interface uses drag-and-drop controls, and results update as analysis options change. JASP produces APA-formatted output, including tables that can be copied into a word processor, and lets users annotate results. It is integrated with the Open Science Framework and can run without an internet connection. Import formats include CSV, TSV, text, SPSS, SAS, Excel, Stata, and R files, among others. JASP requires a 64-bit operating system, about 4 GB of free disk space, and at least 4 GB of RAM; 8 GB is recommended, with 16 GB or more suggested for large datasets. Android, iOS, and iPadOS devices are not supported. The software uses the GNU Affero GPL v3 license, and its download page says it will remain free.

PhET Interactive Simulations provides interactive science and mathematics simulations for students from preschool through university. Its design emphasizes scientific inquiry, visual mental models, multiple representations, real-world connections, and flexible classroom use; the simulations include virtual experiments and guided lessons. PhET says simulations are evaluated for educational effectiveness through student interviews and classroom observation. All are open source, and they are written in HTML5, with some legacy simulations in Java or Flash. They can run online or be downloaded. Android and iOS apps include HTML5 simulations and translations for offline use and automatically download new HTML5 simulations. A desktop app provides HTML5 and Java simulations and translations for offline use on Windows and macOS. The service is available on the web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and select Chromebooks. Android browser-based HTML5 simulations and Linux are not officially supported. The free simulations plan is available to students and teachers. Commercial use requires a license from the University of Colorado Boulder.