Exploratory Data Analysis with Textual Data in R / Quanteda from Coursera

In this 1-hour long project-based course, you will learn how to explore presidential concession speeches by US presidential candidates over time, looking specifically at speech length and top words and examining variation by Democrat and Republican candidates. You will learn how to import textual data stored in raw text files, turn these files into a corpus (a collection of textual documents) and tokenize the text all using the software package quanteda. You will also learn how to extract useful information from filenames and how to use this information to generate visualizations of textual data using the stringr and ggplot2 packages.

Note: This course works best for learners who are based in the North America region. We’re currently working on providing the same experience in other regions.

What's inside

Syllabus

Exploratory Data Analysis with Textual Data in R using Quanteda

By the end of this project, you will learn how to import textual data stored in raw text files into R, turn these files into a corpus (a collection of textual documents) and tokenize the text all using the R software package quanteda. You will also learn how to extract useful information from filenames and how to use this information to generate visualizations of textual data using the stringr and ggplot packages in R. At the end of this project, among other things you will explore presidential concession speeches by US presidential candidates over time, looking specifically at speech length and top words and examining variation by Democrat and Republican candidates. This guided project is for beginners interested in quantitative text analysis in R. It assumes no knowledge of textual analysis and focuses on exploring textual data (US Presidential Concession Speeches). Users should have a basic understanding of the statistical programming language R. By the end of the exercise, learners will know how to load textual data into R, summarize the data using descriptive quantities of interest, turn text into tokens, and visualize changes over time as well as top words.. Familiarity with R including stringr and ggplot is useful but not essential.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops skills in data analysis of text using R packages like quanteda and stringr, which are essential in fields where working with text data is important

Focuses on beginner-friendly text analysis, making it accessible to those new to the field

Provides hands-on practice with real-world data, offering practical experience in text analysis

Requires basic knowledge of R programming, which may limit accessibility for complete beginners

Assumes familiarity with stringr and ggplot packages, which may require additional learning for those unfamiliar

Focuses primarily on presidential concession speeches, which may limit the scope of its applicability to other domains

Reviews summary

Highly rated eda with text data

Learners say this course on Exploratory Data Analysis with Textual Data in R / Quanteda is a great learning experience, with nice explanations and thanks to the teacher.

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Exploratory Data Analysis with Textual Data in R / Quanteda with these activities:

Review 'Text Mining with R' Book and Do Practice Exercises

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Clarify fundamental concepts of analyzing textual data before starting the course so that you can fully benefit from the instructor's teachings.

View Text Mining with R: A Tidy Approach on Amazon

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Read Chapters 1-3 in 'Text Mining with R'
Complete practice exercises at the end of each chapter

Practice Tokenizing, Stemming, and Lemmatization

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Reinforce understanding of techniques used in natural language processing and prepare you for the practical applications in the course.

Browse courses on Text Analysis

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Install necessary NLP packages in R (e.g., quanteda, tm)
Practice tokenizing, stemming, and lemmatizing text using these packages

Join the Discussion Forum and Engage with Peers

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Facilitate knowledge sharing, provide support, and foster a sense of community among learners in the course.

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Introduce yourself and share your expectations
Participate in discussions, ask questions, and share insights

Five other activities

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Explore Online Resources on Text Analysis Techniques

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Enhance your understanding of text analysis techniques by exploring additional resources and tutorials.

Browse courses on Text Analysis

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Identify reputable online platforms (e.g., Coursera, edX)
Search for tutorials or courses on text analysis using R
Watch videos, read articles, and complete practice exercises

Create a Comprehensive Study Guide

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Support your understanding and retention of course materials by organizing and summarizing key concepts.

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Organize your notes, assignments, and other course materials
Create a study guide that outlines the main concepts

Create Visualization of Presidential Speech Data

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Deepen your comprehension of the key concepts covered in the course and demonstrate your ability to present data insights effectively.

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Load presidential speech data into R
Extract key metrics (e.g., speech length, top words)
Create visualizations (e.g., bar charts, word clouds)

Analyze Your Own Text Corpus

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Apply the skills and knowledge gained in the course to a practical project, enhancing your comprehension and solidifying your learning.

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Define your research question and gather a relevant text corpus
Apply text analysis techniques to extract insights from the corpus
Write a report summarizing your findings and conclusions

Volunteer as a Teaching Assistant or Mentor

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Deepen your knowledge and understanding of the course material while assisting other learners in their learning journey.

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Identify opportunities within the course or university
Apply for the role and undergo necessary training
Support students with their queries and provide guidance

Career center

Learners who complete Exploratory Data Analysis with Textual Data in R / Quanteda will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Natural Language Processing Scientist

A Natural Language Processing Scientist develops, builds, and maintains computer systems that understand and process human language. They use their knowledge of linguistics, computer science, and mathematics to create algorithms that can identify parts of speech, extract meaning from text, and generate natural language text. This course can help you build a foundation in natural language processing by teaching you how to import, clean, and analyze textual data using the R programming language and the quanteda package. You will also learn how to visualize your results and communicate your findings effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Natural Language Processing Scientist

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist uses their knowledge of mathematics, statistics, and computer science to extract insights from data. They use their skills to develop and build models that can predict future trends, identify patterns, and optimize processes. This course can help you build a foundation in data science by teaching you how to import, clean, and analyze textual data using the R programming language and the quanteda package. You will also learn how to visualize your results and communicate your findings effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Machine Learning Engineer

A Machine Learning Engineer develops and builds machine learning models that can learn from data and make predictions. They use their knowledge of mathematics, statistics, and computer science to create algorithms that can identify patterns, classify data, and make predictions. This course can help you build a foundation in machine learning by teaching you how to import, clean, and analyze textual data using the R programming language and the quanteda package. You will also learn how to visualize your results and communicate your findings effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Computational Linguist

A Computational Linguist develops and builds computer systems that understand and process human language. They use their knowledge of linguistics, computer science, and mathematics to create algorithms that can identify parts of speech, extract meaning from text, and generate natural language text. This course can help you build a foundation in computational linguistics by teaching you how to import, clean, and analyze textual data using the R programming language and the quanteda package. You will also learn how to visualize your results and communicate your findings effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computational Linguist

Text Analyst

A Text Analyst uses their knowledge of language, linguistics, and computer science to analyze and interpret text data. They use their skills to identify patterns, extract meaning, and summarize findings. This course can help you build a foundation in text analysis by teaching you how to import, clean, and analyze textual data using the R programming language and the quanteda package. You will also learn how to visualize your results and communicate your findings effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Text Analyst

Content Strategist

A Content Strategist develops and implements content strategies that help organizations achieve their business goals. They use their knowledge of marketing, communication, and technology to create and deliver content that is engaging, informative, and persuasive. This course can help you build a foundation in content strategy by teaching you how to analyze and interpret text data. You will also learn how to use your findings to develop and implement effective content strategies.

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Digital Marketing Manager

A Digital Marketing Manager plans and executes digital marketing campaigns that help organizations reach their target audience and achieve their business goals. They use their knowledge of marketing, advertising, and technology to create and deliver digital content that is engaging, informative, and persuasive. This course can help you build a foundation in digital marketing by teaching you how to analyze and interpret text data. You will also learn how to use your findings to develop and implement effective digital marketing campaigns.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Marketing Manager

Public relations manager

A Public Relations Manager develops and implements public relations campaigns that help organizations build and maintain a positive reputation. They use their knowledge of media, communication, and public affairs to create and deliver messages that are informative, persuasive, and engaging. This course can help you build a foundation in public relations by teaching you how to analyze and interpret text data. You will also learn how to use your findings to develop and implement effective public relations campaigns.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public relations manager

Market Research Analyst

A Market Research Analyst conducts market research studies to help organizations understand their target audience and make informed decisions. They use their knowledge of research methods, statistics, and data analysis to collect, analyze, and interpret data. This course can help you build a foundation in market research by teaching you how to analyze and interpret text data. You will also learn how to use your findings to develop and implement effective market research studies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Research Analyst

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst analyzes business processes and systems to identify areas for improvement. They use their knowledge of business, technology, and data analysis to develop and implement solutions that help organizations achieve their goals. This course can help you build a foundation in business analysis by teaching you how to analyze and interpret text data. You will also learn how to use your findings to develop and implement effective business solutions.

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Speechwriter

A Speechwriter writes speeches for public figures, such as politicians, business leaders, and celebrities. They use their knowledge of rhetoric, communication, and public speaking to create speeches that are informative, persuasive, and engaging. This course can help you build a foundation in speechwriting by teaching you how to analyze and interpret text data. You will also learn how to use your findings to develop and write effective speeches.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer develops and writes technical documentation, such as user manuals, white papers, and training materials. They use their knowledge of technical writing, grammar, and style to create documents that are clear, concise, and informative. This course can help you build a foundation in technical writing by teaching you how to analyze and interpret text data. You will also learn how to use your findings to develop and write effective technical documents.

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Editor

An Editor reviews, edits, and proofreads written content, such as books, articles, and website content. They use their knowledge of grammar, style, and punctuation to ensure that written content is clear, concise, and error-free. This course can help you build a foundation in editing by teaching you how to analyze and interpret text data. You will also learn how to use your findings to develop and implement effective editing strategies.

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Journalist

A Journalist researches, writes, and reports on news and current events. They use their knowledge of journalism, writing, and communication to create news stories that are informative, accurate, and engaging. This course can help you build a foundation in journalism by teaching you how to analyze and interpret text data. You will also learn how to use your findings to develop and write effective news stories.

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Librarian

A Librarian helps people find and access information. They use their knowledge of library science, information technology, and customer service to provide a variety of services, such as reference assistance, book recommendations, and technology training. This course can help you build a foundation in library science by teaching you how to analyze and interpret text data. You will also learn how to use your findings to develop and implement effective library services.

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