R AS THE ENVIRONMENT FOR DATA ANALYSIS IN PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION

• Main Authors: Ana María Ruiz-Ruano, Jorge L. Puga
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Spanish Psychological Association (Colegio Oficial de Psicólogos) 2016-01-01
• Series: Papeles del Psicólogo
• Subjects: R; Psychological assessment; Statistical analysis; Psychometrics.
• Online Access: http://www.papelesdelpsicologo.es/english/2665.pdf

R is a free computing environment for statistical data analysis and graph creation. It is becoming a key tool in a wide range of knowledge domains. The interaction with the software is mainly based on a command line interface but efforts are currently being made to develop friendlier graphical user interfaces that will help novice users to become familiar with this programming language. R is a flexible and powerful system thanks to the development community that is working together to improve its capabilities. As a result, it is the chosen statistical software in many applied and basic contexts. This paper highlights the potential usefulness of R for psychological assessment and related areas. Additionally, the relevance of statistical data analysis is emphasised as an instrument that will boost the progress of psychology under the umbrella of the scientific method.