Introduction

This book is about extending the linear model methodology using R statistical software. Before setting off on this journey, it is worth reviewing both linear models and R. We shall not attempt a detailed description of linear models; the reader is advised to consult texts such as Faraway (2014) or Draper and Smith (1998). We do not intend this as a self-contained introduction to R as this may be found in books such as Dalgaard (2002) or Maindonald and Braun (2010) or from guides obtainable from the R website. Even so, a reader unfamiliar with R should be able to follow the intent of the analysis and learn a little R in the process without further preparation.