Resources/Useful books and web sites
Here are some helpful resources for researchers.
Statistics and data visualization
To understand complex policies, you must be able to quantify their effects. Statistics and data visualization are therefore two of the most important tools for policy analysis.
Software
- The R Project for Statistical Computing — a free, open-source software system for statistics, statistical graphics, and statistical computing. The R system works on Mac, Windows, and Linux computing platforms, is well documented, and has an active community of contributors, including many leading statistical researchers.
Books
The Visual Display of Quantitative Information, 2nd ed. (book, 2001) — Edward R. Tufte’s award-winning book that beautifully demonstrates how to present data visually. Tufte examines statistics, graphic design, aesthetics, clarity, and the moral responsibilities of presenting data. It’s a beautiful book. If you care at all about data, statistical graphics, or visualization, you probably already own it.
Fundamental Statistical Concepts in Presenting Data: Principles for Constructing Better Graphics (free e-book, 2009) — a wonderful e-book by Rafe Michael Joseph Donahue, PhD, that shows by example how to create statistical graphics that reveal the meaning of data.
Data Analysis for Politics and Policy (free e-book, 1974) — Edward R. Tufte’s classic text on fundamental statistical techniques, many overlooked by traditional texts, as applied to politics and policy. As examples, Tufte considers questions such as Do automobile safety inspections save lives?
