Instructions for your first RStudio activity

In this RStudio activity, you will practice your R skills by exploring and analysing datasets. Your goal is to create numerical and graphical summaries to help you discuss key features of the data. To do this, you will:

1. Choose appropriate statistical tools.

2. Apply the corresponding code blocks in RStudio, as explained in the previous readings.

3. Use the commands demonstrated throughout Week 2 thoughtfully, modifying them as needed (e.g changing headings and axis labels in plots).

This process is called exploratory data analysis.

Select the labs and datasets zip folder, in the ‘Downloads’ section to download and then open the file in RStudio.

Topics explored in the data sets

Five specific topics are provided for you to work on in the RStudio activity. You should expect this work to take you around two hours to complete. You are also encouraged to practise with your own datasets, for instance, datasets obtained in the previous week (e.g, from Kaggle, SDA: Survey Documentation and Analysis or UK government statistics).

Loading the table format and .csv file format data sets into RStudio

If you are unsure how to load the data given in this reading into RStudio, refer to Step 2.8 Getting started with RStudio (section 3. Loading data). You can find this in Week 2, Activity 2.

Post session review

After completing each of the five topics, download the R script file found at the end of this page to see the model solutions suggested by your tutor. Upload the file into your RStudio session to do the review and compare your answers to the ones given in the file.

Select the the R script file: Lab-1-model-solutions-for-hands-on-data-summaries available in the zip folder in the downloads section below. 

Next steps

You are ready to start working in RStudio. Use this step for the instructions and to access the files. Select Next to move onto the first topic.  

Practical ideas for accessing the step during your activity:

• Open the step on a second screen if available.
• Print the step as a PDF to review on another device.
• Print it onto paper for reference while you work in RStudio.

Now, open your version of RStudio to begin working on the five topics.