Introductory R: A Beginner's Guide to Data Visualisation and Analysis Using R

by Robert Knell

R is now the most widely used statistical software in academic science and it is rapidly expanding into other fields such as finance. R is almost limitlessly flexible and powerful, hence its appeal, but can be very difficult for the novice user. There are no easy pull-down menus, error messages are often cryptic and simple tasks like importing your data or exporting a graph can be difficult and frustrating. Introductory R is written for the novice user who knows a bit about statistics but who hasn't yet got to grips with the ways of R. This book:

1) Walks you through the basics of R's command line interface
2) Gives a set of simple rules to follow to make sure you import your data properly
3) Introduces the script editor and gives advice on workflow
4) Contains a detailed introduction to drawing graphs in R and
5) Gives advice on how to deal with some of the most common errors that you might encounter.

The techniques of statistical analysis in R are illustrated by a series of chapters where experimental and survey data are analysed. There is a strong emphasis on using real data from real scientific research, with all the problems and uncertainty that implies, rather than well-behaved made-up data that give ideal and easy to analyse results.

Kindle Edition

First published March 13, 2013

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good introduction to R programming

Fairly easy to follow and plenty of practical exercises with a gradual increase in complexity. Ideal as a gentle introduction to R

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid introduction to concepts and syntax. Good examples

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for learn R. Offers numerous examples of the programs that can be written and underlying statistical meanings of the results.

[Lime Street Labrador · Rating 2 out of 5]

Confusing

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book to get a handle on R. I'd like a bit more discussion on some background statistics, but overall a good way to hop into this language.