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Let's take a simple example, linear regression. You can fit a linear model with w few button clicks in Excel and then look at R² to check if it's high enough an
by curiousgal 8y ago
Let's take a simple example, linear regression.
You can fit a linear model with w few button clicks in Excel and then look at R² to check if it's high enough and call it a day. Whereas in R you'd be able to easily check a bunch of other metrics to assess your model (ANOVA, plot the residuals, etc). When there's a lot at stake, you want to make the decision yourself and not just rely on the output of a black box.
- nostrebored 8y agoAll of the things you're taking about are possible to do with Excel. Of course I prefer R, but at some level we all abstract away algorithmic responsibility and return granularity.
- Ftuuky 8y agoYou can also easily obtain summary statistics and ANOVAs, etc, in Excel with a few clicks.
- JumpCrisscross 8y ago> You can also easily obtain summary statistics and ANOVAs, etc, in Excel with a few clicks To be clear, my original comment was not criticizing Excel. It pokes fun at analysts who couldn't tell you a Type I error from a Type II being branded as "data analysts" because they build DCF models.
- fma 8y agoI think a relevant analogy from back in the day is being able to use frontpage and then calling yourself a web developer. Certainly it has good features to create what you want, and you could edit source (if you can read it!)...but it's used by people who have a elementary knowledge of web development.