March Madness Challenge – Compete, Learn, and Win – Register Now
Project overview
In this project, you’ll assume the role of a data scientist tasked with predicting market prices of cars based on various characteristics like body style, engine type and horsepower. You’ll practice the complete machine learning workflow using the k-nearest neighbors algorithm in R.
Using a dataset of car features and prices, you’ll explore relationships between predictors, split the data into training and test sets, and experiment with different models through cross-validation and hyperparameter tuning. You’ll evaluate your final models on the test set to gauge real-world performance.
Objective: Apply the machine learning workflow in R to build optimized k-nearest neighbors models for predicting car prices from features.
Key skill required
To complete this project, it's recommended to build these foundational skills in R
- Identifying key steps in a machine learning workflow
- Implementing k-nearest neighbors for prediction
- Employing the caret library for machine learning in R
- Evaluating model performance using error metrics and k-fold cross validation
Projects steps
Step 1: Introduction
Step 2: Examining Relationships Between Predictors
Step 3: Setting Up the Train-Test Split
Step 4: Cross-validation and Hyperparameter Optimization
Step 5: Experimenting With Different Models
Step 6: Final Model Evaluations
Step 7: Next Steps
Master skills faster with Dataquest
Go from zero to job-ready
Learn exactly what you need to achieve your goal. Don’t waste time on unrelated lessons.
Build your project portfolio
Build confidence with our in-depth projects, and show off your data skills.
Challenge yourself with exercises
Work with real data from day one with interactive lessons and hands-on exercises.
Showcase your path certification
Share the evidence of your hard work with your network and potential employers.
The Dataquest guarantee
Dataquest has helped thousands of people start new careers in data. If you put in the work and follow our path, you’ll master data skills and grow your career.
We believe so strongly in our paths that we offer a full satisfaction guarantee. If you complete a career path on Dataquest and aren’t satisfied with your outcome, we’ll give you a refund.
Recommended projects
Investigating Fandango Movie Ratings
Practice using R to analyze movie ratings data, compare 2015 vs 2016 ratings, and apply sampling and distributions to investigate bias.
Investigative Statistical Analysis – Analyzing Accuracy in Data Presentation
Practice statistical analysis in Python to investigate movie rating bias and determine if Fandango inflated ratings.
NYC Schools Perceptions
Practice data cleaning, analysis, and visualization in R to explore survey data and showcase your skills with R Notebooks.
Building Fast Queries on a CSV
Practice implementing an inventory system for a laptop store using Python classes, dictionaries, and binary search.
Garden Simulator Text Based Game
Practice using OOP, error handling, and randomness in Python to create an interactive gardening game simulator.
Predicting Heart Disease
Practice building a K Nearest Neighbors classifier in Python to predict heart disease risk from patient data.
Word Raider
Practice using Python variables, lists, loops, conditionals, and file handling to build an interactive word-guessing game.
Predicting Condominium Sale Prices
Practice using linear regression in R to predict condominium sale prices based on size and location in New York City.
Kaggle Data Science Survey
Practice analyzing survey data in Python to uncover insights about data science careers and skills.
Grow your career with
Dataquest.


