Tools & Datasets

Tools

R + RStudio

R is the statistical programming language we will use in this class. We will interface with R using RStudio, a fully feautred Integrated Development Environment (IDE). Installing them on your own computer should be straightforward. If you already have them installed on your computer, I recommend you check the version and upgrade them to the latest version. Ask me for help if you have any problem installing them.

• Download and install R 4.0.2 from https://ftp.osuosl.org/pub/cran/ for your operating system. (Requires administrator privellege)
• Download and install RStudio Desktop free version from https://www.rstudio.com/products/rstudio/download/

DataQuest

DataQuest is an online service with dozens of self-paced, interactive courses on data analysis/science. DataQuest kindly provides students in this class free premium access to their courses. I recommend these courses, but you're welcome to explore other courses in their catalogue

• Introduction to Data Analysis in R
• Data Visualization in R
• Hypothesis Testing in R
• Linear Regression Modeling in R

Slack

Slack is the communication platform we'll experiment for this course. You should have received an email with an invitation link to join the course Slack. All content related course communication will happen on Slack, in the relevant channels. For personal matters (only) you can email me.

Datasets

Recommended datasets for class assignments and project:

1. American Housing Survey (AHS)

   AHS is a comprehensive housing survey in the U.S., provides up-to-date information on the size and composition of the housing stock. Download the data following this link

2. American Community Survey (ACS)

   ACS is an ongoing survey by the U.S. Census Bureau that regularly gathers information previously contained only in the long form of the decennial census, such as ancestry, educational attainment, income, language proficiency, migration, disability, employment, and housing characteristics. Public Use Microdata Series can be downloaded here

3. National Household Travel Survey (NHTS)

   NHTS provides information to assist transportation planners and policy makers who need comprehensive data on travel and transportation patterns in the United States. 2017 NHTS data can be downloaded here

   The Oregon Household Activity Survey (OHAS) is a regional survey similar to NHTS, but the most recent survey is now a bit dated (2011-12). Talk to me if you're interested in using OHAS for your assignments/class project.

4. General Social Survey (GSS)

   GSS provides politicians, policymakers, and scholars with a clear and unbiased perspective on what Americans think and feel about such issues as national spending priorities, crime and punishment, intergroup relations, and confidence in institutions. All GSS data can be downloaded here

5. California Health Interview Survey (CHIS)

   The California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) is the largest state health survey in the nation. It is a random-dial telephone survey that asks questions on a wide range of health topics. The latest 2015 public use file can be downloaded after registration here or use the direct link to the data file