# The Basics

Lastly, we review the basics of statistics and R using [this course from Edx](https://learning.edx.org/course/course-v1:HarvardX+PH525.1x+3T2020/home).

In order to access course material, make sure to create an Edx account (if you do not have one already) and enroll in the course. It's completely free.

## Introduction to Exploratory Data Analysis

Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) is a key part of what we do when we analyze data. To learn more about it, read [this article ](https://learning.edx.org/course/course-v1:HarvardX+PH525.1x+3T2020/block-v1:HarvardX+PH525.1x+3T2020+type@sequential+block@1fcee636d04c4e1b8b2e5ef3c1b6a7a8/block-v1:HarvardX+PH525.1x+3T2020+type@vertical+block@c99849faa3df42788715d965068860f0)from the course, and return here afterward.

You can use the buttons on the course page to navigate through the various topics. Alternatively, you can always refer to the links here. Whichever way you feel more comfortable with.

## Histograms

A **histogram** is a graphical representation that organizes a group of data points into user-specified ranges. 

To learn about plotting histograms in R:

1. Watch [this video](https://learning.edx.org/course/course-v1:HarvardX+PH525.1x+3T2020/block-v1:HarvardX+PH525.1x+3T2020+type@sequential+block@1fcee636d04c4e1b8b2e5ef3c1b6a7a8/block-v1:HarvardX+PH525.1x+3T2020+type@vertical+block@e388dd03fea04d1fac9eeba76ce5e3af) from the course
2. Complete [these exercises](https://learning.edx.org/course/course-v1:HarvardX+PH525.1x+3T2020/block-v1:HarvardX+PH525.1x+3T2020+type@sequential+block@1fcee636d04c4e1b8b2e5ef3c1b6a7a8/block-v1:HarvardX+PH525.1x+3T2020+type@vertical+block@ef0b3a37e93843ffac232dbc5b30e6de).

Return here after you finish.

## QQ-Plot

A **Q-Q plot** is a scatterplot created by plotting two sets of quantiles against one another. 

1. Watch [this video](https://learning.edx.org/course/course-v1:HarvardX+PH525.1x+3T2020/block-v1:HarvardX+PH525.1x+3T2020+type@sequential+block@1fcee636d04c4e1b8b2e5ef3c1b6a7a8/block-v1:HarvardX+PH525.1x+3T2020+type@vertical+block@24b8d824d4b94e9484831d70ab256695) from the course about plotting Q-Q plots in R
2. Complete [these exercises](https://learning.edx.org/course/course-v1:HarvardX+PH525.1x+3T2020/block-v1:HarvardX+PH525.1x+3T2020+type@sequential+block@1fcee636d04c4e1b8b2e5ef3c1b6a7a8/block-v1:HarvardX+PH525.1x+3T2020+type@vertical+block@8f6e102b1c3c44469936d5a703723c1b)

Return here after you finish.

## Boxplots

Finally, we cover boxplots - a standardized way of displaying the dataset based on a five-number summary: the minimum, the maximum, the sample median, and the first and third quartiles.

1. Watch [this video](https://learning.edx.org/course/course-v1:HarvardX+PH525.1x+3T2020/block-v1:HarvardX+PH525.1x+3T2020+type@sequential+block@1fcee636d04c4e1b8b2e5ef3c1b6a7a8/block-v1:HarvardX+PH525.1x+3T2020+type@vertical+block@67f93734aefb46e58fc10347cef0d2bb) explaining how to plot Boxplots in R
2. Complete [these exercises](https://learning.edx.org/course/course-v1:HarvardX+PH525.1x+3T2020/block-v1:HarvardX+PH525.1x+3T2020+type@sequential+block@1fcee636d04c4e1b8b2e5ef3c1b6a7a8/block-v1:HarvardX+PH525.1x+3T2020+type@vertical+block@d52f2aec93a846a382c2e038eb59c7b5)

Return here after you finish.

## Congratulations!

If you made it here, then congratulations! You have successfully completed this section. Move to the next portion of the guide with the arrow buttons below.