Data, when used correctly, can guide decisions in powerful and informative ways. Often data is large enough and complex enough that looking directly at the raw data. Thus, we typically describe, or summarize, the most relevant aspects of data both numerically and graphically.
R is a programming language and R-Studio is a software wrapper around R. Programmers would call this an Integrated Development Environment (IDE). R-Studio makes using R much easier and we will work within R-Studio for our use of R.
Numerical summaries state a simple fact about a data set. They are mathematical formulas that are applied to data. These are often referred to generally as statistics. Technically, numerical summaries that are calculated on data from the full population are called parameters. Those calculated on data from a sample of the population are called statistics.
Graphical summaries tell a story about data. They often visually demonstrate several numerical summaries simultaneously. More importantly, when used wisely, they summarize general tendencies and reveal important patterns in a quick and powerful way.
Here are some additional helps for some basic functions in R.
Garrett Saunders built this page and the linked pages. Although I have edited them. So most likely the mistakes are mine.