Course Topics

R is a powerful open source programming environment primarily known for its statistical capabilities. In this course we will cover some advanced applications of R: distributed computing using the snowfall package, applications of the bootstrap, and structural equation modeling (SEM). The course will cover the basic theory and application of the bootstrap, show how it can be parallelized across a single multicore machine, and conclude with an application of the bootstrap to SEM. These techniques will be illustrated using a dataset of cognitive abilities, personality traits, and vocational interests of 8- subjects. The prerequisites for the course are a basic familiarity with R, familiarity with the apply suite of functions, and the ability to define one’s own functions.