Graphical access to statistical processing

The automatic access of statistical processes running on a computer is made possible by the display of graphic icons corresponding to the processes. A user can manipulate data in a table and then select a view function which results in the display of icons corresponding to potentially valid statistical processes for the data in the table. By marking data in the table, the user causes only those icons corresponding to valid statistical processes valid for the marked data to be displayed in a manner which allows selection of the icons. If the user then selects one of these icons, the system automatically makes the corresponding statistical calculation corresponding to the selected icon for the marked data. The user may then place the result of the calculation on the display screen by dragging the selected icon to the desired location on the screen.