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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2024.12.13.628294

ggrain - a ggplot2 extension for raincloud plots

Judd, N.·vanLangen, J.·Poggiali, D.·Whitaker, K.·Rhys Marshall, T.·Allen, M.·Kievit, R.
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Abstract

Clear data visualization is essential to effectively communicate empirical findings across various research fields. Raincloud plots fill this need by offering a transparent and statistically robust approach to data visualization. This is achieved by combining three plots in an aesthetically pleasing fashion. First, a dot plot displays raw data with minimal distortion, allowing a fast glance at the sample size and outlier identification. Next, a box plot displays key distributional summary statistics such as the median and interquartile range. Lastly, a violin plot transparently displays the underlying distribution of the data. Despite the widespread use of raincloud plots, an R-package in alignment with the grammar of graphics was lacking. `ggrain` fills this need by offering one easy-to-use function (`geom_rain`) allowing the quick and seamless plotting of rainclouds in the R ecosystem. Further, it enables more complex plotting features such as factorial grouping, mapping with a secondary (continuous) covariate, and connecting observations longitudinally across multiple waves.

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Judd, N., vanLangen, J., Poggiali, D., Whitaker, K., Rhys Marshall, T., Allen, M., Kievit, R.. 2024-12-17. ggrain - a ggplot2 extension for raincloud plots. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.12.13.628294

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