R for Political Data Science: A Practical Guide

R for Political Data Science: A Practical Guide is a handbook for political scientists new to R that covers the most useful and common ways to interpret and analyze political data. It is organized in three sections: the use of R, econometric models, and a data science toolbox. Each chapter has the most up-to-date and simple option available for each task, assuming minimal prerequisites and no previous experience in R. The book is highly applied in nature and can be used in methods and data science courses, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 460 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

R for Political Data Science: A Practical Guide is a comprehensive handbook tailored specifically for political scientists who are new to R and seek to acquire the most valuable and commonly employed techniques for interpreting and analyzing political data. Written by esteemed political scientists, this book takes into account the diverse real-world challenges encountered in their field. Comprising 16 chapters, the book is structured into three sections. The first section, dedicated to R usage, is intended for individuals who are either learning R or transitioning from another software. The second section delves into econometric models, encompassing Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), binary and survival models, panel data, and causal inference. The third section serves as a data science toolbox, offering a selection of the most useful tools in the discipline. These tools include data imputation, fuzzy merge of large datasets, web mining, quantitative text analysis, network analysis, mapping, spatial cluster analysis, and principal component analysis.

Key Features:
1. Each chapter offers the most up-to-date and straightforward approach to each task, assuming minimal prerequisites and no prior experience in R.
2. Extensive use of the Tidyverse, a group of packages that has revolutionized the use of R, is made throughout the book.
3. A step-by-step guide is provided, allowing readers to replicate the methods using their own data.
4. Exercises are included in every chapter, making it suitable for both course use and self-study.
5. The book emphasizes practical-based approaches to statistical inference rather than relying solely on mathematical formulae.
6. Supplemented by an R package, including all the data used in the book, this resource provides a comprehensive and practical guide for political data science.

As the title indicates, this book is highly applied in nature, serving as a versatile toolbox for readers. It finds application in methods and data science courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Moreover, it is invaluable for university students pursuing a Ph.D. in political science, political consultants, and public officials alike, as they require the ability to transform their datasets into substantive insights. By mastering the techniques outlined in this book, readers will gain the skills necessary to analyze and interpret political data effectively, contributing to informed decision-making and policy development in the field.

Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367818838