Excellent hands-on introductory tutorial on learning statistics with R
I have been looking for a good hands-on tutorial on performing common statistical analysis functions in R . Unfortunately, it has not been easy to find the right course for myself. Most of my experience stems from a few years back using SPSS to analyze data sets for course work and health related research work. I have only started learning some beginner programming courses on Python through different MOOCs in the past year. I would probably classify myself as having more social science research experience than math and computer science training.
In May 2015, I completed a verified certificate for the Introduction to R programming course through Data Science Specialization on Coursera. The four week course is quite fast paced and I found the weekly assignments quite challenging as I have little background in computer programming. By the end of the course, I was left with the feeling that I needed to seek out other tutorials related to R to fully develop my skill set. On the plus side, I gained a number of valuable Linkendin connections with interests in data science through interaction on the course discussion board.
On Linkendin, I have noticed that a few of my connections from the R Course on Coursera are completing certificates for free data science certification linked with Linkendin available through DataCamp . Most people are learning the basics of R programming but there are also courses in data visualization, statistics, data manipulation, and more data science topics offered on DataCamp.
One course from DataCamp that I found really useful is Hands on Introduction to R and Statistics . The course covers 5 chapters variables, histograms, scales of measurement, measures of central tendency, and measures of variability. Interactive hands on exercises (i.e. creating histograms with specific case examples), hints for exercises, solutions, videos and slides are included in the course. I am starting to keep my own sheet of common commands that I am using in R as a Word Document for future reference. R Reference Card from CRAN R project is another useful resource for R commands. The course is also a good introduction to introductory statistical concepts or for those needing a refresher course. I am excited to try other courses from the DataCamp series and continue to build my skills in data analysis through DataCamp courses.
Thanks for the follow Rod and commenting on my post. I think that you are the first person who has noted that I am from the "Rock" on here. :) It is great to know the types of software that are being used in your training programs/consulting. I am happy to see that R is going to be used in a biostatistics course for masters of health informatics that I am taking at the University of Waterloo this fall. Its an online course and it made sense that they would go for popular data analysis open source software like R rather than deal with software licensing & installations of other kinds of statistics packages. I also hope to gain some introductory skills on using Python & Excel as well for data analysis using an EdX course starting on August 31 https://www.edx.org/course/data-analysis-take-it-max-delftx-ex101x I think the best approach is to at least become more comfortable in using software in one common language. Since I have no computer science background but some experience with statistics, I felt learning R was a good place to start.
Great article, Michelle! We use several software in our training (and consulting); SigmaXL and Minitab are commonly used. The dependency on desktop software, installation, software compatibility, etc. can be problematic. A friend turned me onto R several years ago... R going way back and now seeing new popularity. Noticed you are on the "Rock"... many great friends from Newfoundland... I hope you are enjoying life to the fullest. Glad to be following you and leveraging your knowledge and experience. cheers, Rod.
There is this course on edX https://www.edx.org/course/introduction-r-programming-microsoft-dat204x is an easy introduction to R. If you have more experience using R, take this https://www.edx.org/course/foundations-development-policy-advanced-mitx-14-74x I'm new too in data science, but I like it a lot.