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arXiv · 1402.1894

R Markdown: Integrating A Reproducible Analysis Tool into Introductory Statistics

Ben Baumer·Mine Cetinkaya-Rundel·Andrew Bray·Linda Loi·Nicholas J. Horton
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Abstract

Nolan and Temple Lang argue that "the ability to express statistical computations is an essential skill." A key related capacity is the ability to conduct and present data analysis in a way that another person can understand and replicate. The copy-and-paste workflow that is an artifact of antiquated user-interface design makes reproducibility of statistical analysis more difficult, especially as data become increasingly complex and statistical methods become increasingly sophisticated. R Markdown is a new technology that makes creating fully-reproducible statistical analysis simple and painless. It provides a solution suitable not only for cutting edge research, but also for use in an introductory statistics course. We present evidence that R Markdown can be used effectively in introductory statistics courses, and discuss its role in the rapidly-changing world of statistical computation.

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Ben Baumer, Mine Cetinkaya-Rundel, Andrew Bray, Linda Loi, Nicholas J. Horton. 2014-02-08. R Markdown: Integrating A Reproducible Analysis Tool into Introductory Statistics. https://doi.org/10.5070/t581020118

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