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A checklist for choosing between R packages in ecology and evolution
Christopher J Lortie1,2, Jenna Braun1, Alessandro Filazzola3
1Department of Biology York University Toronto ON Canada.
Ecology and Evolution
|February 21, 2020
Summary
The R programming language offers many tools for ecology and evolution research, but choosing the right package can be overwhelming. This checklist helps scientists select robust and reproducible R packages for their analyses.
Area of Science:
- Ecology and Evolution
- Computational Biology
- Data Science
Background:
- The R programming language is a powerful, free, and open-source tool for ecological and evolutionary research.
- The vast number of available R packages presents a 'paradox of choice' for researchers, potentially leading to varied analytical outcomes.
- Selecting appropriate R packages is crucial for effective data analysis and scientific discovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a decision-making framework for selecting R packages in ecology and evolution.
- To guide researchers in navigating the complex ecosystem of R packages.
- To promote the use of robust, reproducible, and integrated analytical workflows.
Main Methods:
- Development of a checklist based on principles of resilience, need, and integration.
- Evaluation of R package selection criteria for ecological and evolutionary analyses.
- Emphasis on documenting the package selection process for scientific rigor.
Main Results:
- A structured checklist to aid researchers in choosing appropriate R packages.
- Guidelines for assessing package suitability based on specific research needs and workflow integration.
- Highlighting the importance of reproducibility and robustness in package selection.
Conclusions:
- Informed R package selection is vital for advancing reproducible science in ecology and evolution.
- The provided checklist supports researchers in making evidence-based decisions.
- Documenting analytical choices enhances the reliability and interpretability of scientific findings.
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