Creating new variables
Use the assignment operator <- to create new variables. A wide array of operators and functions are available here.
# Three examples for doing the same computations
mydata$sum <- mydata$x1 + mydata$x2
mydata$mean <- (mydata$x1 + mydata$x2)/2
attach(mydata)
mydata$sum <- x1 + x2
mydata$mean <- (x1 + x2)/2
detach(mydata)
mydata <- transform( mydata,
sum = x1 + x2,
mean = (x1 + x2)/2
)
Recoding variables
In order to recode data, you will probably use one or more of R's control structures.
# create 2 age categories
mydata$agecat <- ifelse(mydata$age > 70,
c("older"), c("younger"))
# another example: create 3 age categories
attach(mydata)
mydata$agecat[age > 75] <- "Elder"
mydata$agecat[age > 45 & age <= 75] <- "Middle Aged"
mydata$agecat[age <= 45] <- "Young"
detach(mydata)
Renaming variables
You can rename variables programmatically or interactively.
# rename interactively
fix(mydata) # results are saved on close
# rename programmatically
library(reshape)
mydata <- rename(mydata, c(oldname="newname"))
# you can re-enter all the variable names in order
# changing the ones you need to change.the limitation
#
is that you need to enter all of them!
names(mydata) <- c("x1","age","y", "ses")