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Packaging Data Analytical Work Reproducibly Using R (and Friends)

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  • Ben Marwick
  • Carl Boettiger
  • Lincoln Mullen

Abstract

Computers are a central tool in the research process, enabling complex and large-scale data analysis. As computer-based research has increased in complexity, so have the challenges of ensuring that this research is reproducible. To address this challenge, we review the concept of the research compendium as a solution for providing a standard and easily recognizable way for organizing the digital materials of a research project to enable other researchers to inspect, reproduce, and extend the research. We investigate how the structure and tooling of software packages of the R programming language are being used to produce research compendia in a variety of disciplines. We also describe how software engineering tools and services are being used by researchers to streamline working with research compendia. Using real-world examples, we show how researchers can improve the reproducibility of their work using research compendia based on R packages and related tools.

Suggested Citation

  • Ben Marwick & Carl Boettiger & Lincoln Mullen, 2018. "Packaging Data Analytical Work Reproducibly Using R (and Friends)," The American Statistician, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 72(1), pages 80-88, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:taf:amstat:v:72:y:2018:i:1:p:80-88
    DOI: 10.1080/00031305.2017.1375986
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    References listed on IDEAS

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