RAs who want to go beyond data collection almost always need to develop some programming skills. Most of our data processing methods involve programming in Matlab. It is usually a good idea to learn a more general programming language such as Python or C++ before learning Matlab. We do not typically train RAs in programming, but there are several resources for learning Matlab:

  • Coursera: Introduction to Programming with MATLAB

  • Book: MATLAB for Behavioral Scientists, 2nd Edition (we have a copy in the lab)

  • PSC 209A — Introduction to Programming: Matlab (not offered every year; requires consent of instructor)

We use R for some data processing and statistical analysis tasks. Programming in R is not usually necessary for RAs in our lab, but it can be useful in some studies and is an excellent skill to have in your repertoire after you have graduated.