Comparison of beginning R students' perceptions of peer-made plots created in two plotting systems: a randomized experiment.

ABSTRACT: We performed an empirical study of the perceived quality of scientific graphics produced by beginning R users in two plotting systems: the base graphics package ("base R") and the ggplot2 add-on package. In our experiment, students taking a data science course on the Coursera platform were randomized to complete identical plotting exercises using either base R or ggplot2. This exercise involved creating two plots: one bivariate scatterplot and one plot of a multivariate relationship that necessitated using color or panels. Students evaluated their peers on visual characteristics key to clear scientific communication, including plot clarity and sufficient labeling. We observed that graphics created with the two systems rated similarly on many characteristics. However, ggplot2 graphics were

SUBMITTER: Myint L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7986299 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature