Using plain R for data analysis

In this video, we're going to learn how to use plain R, without any additional interfaces etc., just R.

R is a popular software package for quantitative analysis, including graphics. Here we use it straight with no interfaces, because often you don't need these additional layers -- especially if you're interested in a quick analysis like calculating the mean or creating a cross table. The basic use of R doesn't change.

Download R from: https://www.r-project.org/

We cover the basics, like the fact that we communicate with text rather than use point and click, or the basic logic of commands (keywords and brackets). We see how to set the working directory, how to use the script window and run code with Ctrl + R, and run through a basic analysis (open CSV data file, table, cross table, mean, histogram, regression model). We also learn how to install packages, like to use Bayesian models or import SPSS data files. To calculate percentages, we do some basic programming by storing results in an object and then do something else on these objects: a basic process on which you can build for more advanced calculations.

The dataset is available from: https://osf.io/hkt8n/files/j4a8y (modified from the aggregate-level prestige data in John Fox's CAR package, pretending it to refer to individual level data)

Simple editor for GNU/Linux: https://www.geany.org/

The beauty of R is that you can always add more packages, interfaces, and convenience, but often you don't need to.

00:00 Introduction