Can matrix data be used for input instead of raw data?

Yes. Statistica supports a variety of matrix file types as input data (example, for Multiple Regression, Factor Analysis, Reliability/Item Analysis, and other modules). Matrix files can be edited in the spreadsheet (as if they were raw datafiles); however, in order to be properly interpreted as matrices, they need to meet specific content and format conditions (depending on the matrix type). Statistica also supports the multiple matrix datafile format for input in procedures (such as Structural Equation Modeling) that supports matrix data for groups. Note that matrix data that meet the specific content and format conditions are automatically saved in Statistica Matrix Spreadsheet (*.smx) format. For more details, see What is a matrix spreadsheet? and Matrix File Format.