Data Services Creates Instructional Materials for the Institute in Critical Quantitative, Computational, and Mixed Methodologies

During fall 2020, members of the Data Services team worked with the Institute in Critical Quantitative, Computational, and Mixed Methodologies (ICQCM) to develop training modules for institute participants to become familiar with the R programming language.

The ICQCM was established in 2019 and is led by Odis Johnson, professor of sociology and education at WashU, and partners at Vanderbilt University and the University of Pennsylvania. The institute’s goal is to eliminate the “data science divide” in grant making and “aims to enable participants to incorporate quantitative and computational methods in conceptualizing research projects, establish collaborative networks of quantitative and computational research practitioners, and affirm self-efficacy of underrepresented faculty through culturally relevant, asset-focused training opportunities.”

Dorris Scott and Mollie Webb developed five training modules based on their experience with using the R programming language and the integrated development environment (IDE) RStudio in their own work with the WashU community. The modules include the basics of using R and RStudio, syntax, data wrangling, data visualization, and finding help. The materials were implemented for the first cohort in data science at ICQCM, which began in December 2020.

For more information on working with R, see the research guide Using R to Analyze Your Data.