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Quantitative social science research has been expanding due to the ava- ability of computers and data over the past few decades. Yet the textbooks and supplements for researchers do not adequately highlight the revolution created by the R software [2] and graphics system. R is fast becoming the l- gua franca of quantitative research with some 2000 free specialized packages, where the latest versions can be downloaded in seconds. Many packages such as "car" [1] developed by social scientists are popular among all scientists. An early 2009 article [3] in the New York Times notes that statisticians, engineers and scientists without computer programming skills ?nd R "easy to use." A common language R can readily promote deeper mutual respect and understanding of unique problems facing quantitative work in various social sciences. Often the solutions developed in one ?eld can be extended and used in many ?elds. This book promotes just such exchange of ideas across many social sciences. Since Springer has played a leadership role in promoting R, we are fortunate to have Springer publish this book. A Conference on Quantitative Social Science Research Using R was held in New York City at the Lincoln Center campus of Fordham University, June 18-19, 2009. This book contains selected papers presented at the conference, representing the "Proceedings" of the conference.
List of contents
Econometric Computing with #x201C;R#x201D;.- Additive Models for Quantile Regression: An Analysis of Risk Factors for Malnutrition in India.- Toward Better R Defaults for Graphics: Example of Voter Turnouts in U.S. Elections.- Superior Estimation and Inference Avoiding Heteroscedasticity and Flawed Pivots: R-example of Inflation Unemployment Trade-off.- Bubble Plots as a Model-Free Graphical Tool for Continuous Variables.- Combinatorial Fusion for Improving Portfolio Performance.- Reference Growth Charts for Saudi Arabian Children and Adolescents.- Causal Mediation Analysis Using R.- Statistical Validation of Functional Form in Multiple Regression Using R.- Fitting Multinomial Models in R: A Program Based on Bock#x2019;s Multinomial Response Relation Model.- A Bayesian Analysis of Leukemia Incidence Surrounding an Inactive Hazardous Waste Site.- Stochastic Volatility Model with Jumps in Returns and Volatility: An R-Package Implementation.
Report
In the introduction of Advances in social Science Research Using R, the editor gives valuable short summaries of all chapters to point out that each one is of relevance beyond the scope of the disciplines where the methods or authors originate Several chapters are well suited for social scientists interested in new methodology and how to use it in R. These chapters not only introduce advanced statistical techniques, but also walk the reader through their usage in R in a concise and yet instructive way Other chapters show that complex econometric research questions can be addressed with R and illustrate the variety of advanced methods now available . (Journal of Statistical Software, Vol. 34, Book Review 2, April 2010)
