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Reproducible Research

Roger D. Peng, PhD, Jeff Leek, PhD, and Brian Caffo, PhD

This course focuses on the concepts and tools behind reporting modern data analyses in a reproducible manner. Reproducible research is the idea that data analyses, and more generally, scientific claims, are published with their data and software code so that others may verify the findings and build upon them. The need for reproducibility is increasing dramatically as data analyses become more complex, involving larger datasets and more sophisticated computations. Reproducibility allows for people to focus on the actual content of a data analysis, rather than on superficial details reported in a written summary. In addition, reproducibility makes an analysis more useful to others because the data and code that actually conducted the analysis are available. This course will focus on literate statistical analysis tools which allow one to publish data analyses in a single document that allows others to easily execute the same analysis to obtain the same results.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1: Concepts, Ideas, & Structure

This week will cover the basic ideas of reproducible research since they may be unfamiliar to some of you. We also cover structuring and organizing a data analysis to help make it more reproducible. I recommend that you watch the videos in the order that they are listed on the web page, but watching the videos out of order isn't going to ruin the story.

Week 2: Markdown & knitr

This week we cover some of the core tools for developing reproducible documents. We cover the literate programming tool knitr and show how to integrate it with Markdown to publish reproducible web documents. We also introduce the first peer assessment which will require you to write up a reproducible data analysis using knitr.

Week 3: Reproducible Research Checklist & Evidence-based Data Analysis

This week covers what one could call a basic check list for ensuring that a data analysis is reproducible. While it's not absolutely sufficient to follow the check list, it provides a necessary minimum standard that would be applicable to almost any area of analysis.

Week 4: Case Studies & Commentaries

This week there are two case studies involving the importance of reproducibility in science for you to watch.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches skills highly relevant in academia

Develops skills for publishing same outcome analysis as peers

Taught by instructors recognized for their work in reproducible research

Part of a multi-modal learning experience

Builds a foundation for beginners in reproducible research

Provides hands-on experience in reproducible research tools

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Reviews summary

Introductory r course

Learners say that Reproducible Research is a largely positive introduction to knitr and research reproducibility. R Markdown, R coding, and basic statistical knowledge are assumed and may be helpful to possess going in, according to students. Roger Peng is engaging, and his content is well-organized and provides numerous case studies. However, some students feel there is not enough content and that the course is repetitive.

Instructor is engaging.

"Thankfully, Roger Peng has added in a little box with his face in at as he talks over his slides for many of his videos, which makes the content a lot more engaging than it is in some of the other John Hopkins courses that only have voiceovers."

Content is well-organized and provides case studies.

"The first 2.5 weeks of lecture material is great. It provides a well-organized overview of how to create reproducible research in R using R markdown and the knitr package, taking plenty of time to talk about best practices."

R Markdown, R coding, and basic statistical knowledge are helpful.

"Background knowledge in using R and running basic stats is necessary, as the course assumes you already have that going in."

Insufficient content.

"Not much content. Only introduced and taught one main topic: knitr package in R."

Lectures are repetitive.

"Much of course spent repetitively advocating for reproducible research with case studies and peer reviewed assignments. Second peer reviewed assignment was essentially the same as the first in terms of learning new techniques."

Career center

Learners who complete Reproducible Research will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Scientist

Data Scientists are responsible for collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data to extract insights and inform decision-making. This course in Reproducible Research would be a valuable asset to aspiring Data Scientists as it provides a foundation in the principles and tools for conducting and reporting reproducible data analyses. The course emphasizes the importance of transparency, replicability, and collaboration in data science, which are essential skills for professionals in this field.

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Statistician

Statisticians use statistical methods to collect, analyze, interpret, and present data. The course in Reproducible Research is highly relevant to this field, as it focuses on the concepts and tools for reporting modern data analyses in a reproducible manner. The course covers topics such as literate statistical analysis tools, which allow Statisticians to publish data analyses in a single document that can be easily executed by others to obtain the same results.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts use data to identify trends, patterns, and insights that can help businesses make better decisions. This course in Reproducible Research is highly relevant to this field, as it provides a foundation in the principles and tools for conducting and reporting reproducible data analyses. The course emphasizes the importance of transparency, accuracy, and collaboration in data analysis, which are essential skills for Data Analysts.

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Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct scientific research to advance knowledge and develop new technologies. The course in Reproducible Research is highly applicable to this field, as it provides a foundation in the principles and practices of reproducible research. The course emphasizes the importance of transparency, replicability, and collaboration in scientific research, which are essential skills for Research Scientists.

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Data Engineer

Data Engineers design, build, and maintain data pipelines and infrastructure. This course in Reproducible Research would be beneficial to aspiring Data Engineers as it provides a foundation in the principles and practices of data engineering. The course emphasizes the importance of data quality, data integration, and data security in data engineering, which are essential skills for Data Engineers.

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Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical methods to analyze financial data. This course in Reproducible Research would be beneficial to aspiring Quantitative Analysts as it provides a foundation in the principles and practices of quantitative analysis. The course emphasizes the importance of data analysis, modeling, and forecasting in quantitative analysis, which are essential skills for Quantitative Analysts.

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Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers build and maintain machine learning models. This course in Reproducible Research would be beneficial to aspiring Machine Learning Engineers as it provides a foundation in the principles and practices of machine learning. The course emphasizes the importance of data quality, feature engineering, and model evaluation in machine learning, which are essential skills for Machine Learning Engineers.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts use data and analysis to help businesses make better decisions. This course in Reproducible Research would be beneficial to aspiring Business Analysts as it provides a foundation in the principles and practices of data analysis. The course emphasizes the importance of data collection, data analysis, and data visualization in business analysis, which are essential skills for Business Analysts.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. This course in Reproducible Research would be beneficial to aspiring Software Engineers as it provides a foundation in the principles and practices of software development. The course emphasizes the importance of modularity, testing, and documentation in software development, which are essential skills for Software Engineers.

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Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate the causes and patterns of disease and injury in populations. This course in Reproducible Research would be beneficial to aspiring Epidemiologists as it provides a foundation in the principles and practices of epidemiology. The course emphasizes the importance of data collection, data analysis, and data interpretation in epidemiology, which are essential skills for Epidemiologists.

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Biostatistician

Biostatisticians use statistical methods to design and analyze studies in the health sciences. This course in Reproducible Research would be beneficial to aspiring Biostatisticians as it provides a foundation in the principles and practices of biostatistics. The course emphasizes the importance of data analysis, modeling, and forecasting in biostatistics, which are essential skills for Biostatisticians.

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UX Researcher

UX Researchers conduct research to improve the user experience of products and services. This course in Reproducible Research would be beneficial to aspiring UX Researchers as it provides a foundation in the principles and practices of UX research. The course emphasizes the importance of data collection, data analysis, and data interpretation in UX research, which are essential skills for UX Researchers.

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Market Researcher

Market Researchers conduct research to understand the needs and wants of consumers. This course in Reproducible Research would be beneficial to aspiring Market Researchers as it provides a foundation in the principles and practices of market research. The course emphasizes the importance of data collection, data analysis, and data interpretation in market research, which are essential skills for Market Researchers.

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Actuary

Actuaries use mathematical and statistical methods to assess risk and uncertainty. This course in Reproducible Research would be beneficial to aspiring Actuaries as it provides a foundation in the principles and practices of actuarial science. The course emphasizes the importance of data analysis, modeling, and forecasting in actuarial science, which are essential skills for Actuaries.

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Data Journalist

Data Journalists use data to tell stories and inform the public. This course in Reproducible Research would be beneficial to aspiring Data Journalists as it provides a foundation in the principles and practices of data journalism. The course emphasizes the importance of data collection, data analysis, and data visualization in data journalism, which are essential skills for Data Journalists.

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Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Reproducible Research.

Reproducible Research with R and RStudio