What all do you have to become proficient at to learn just predictive analytics?

Question

I don't want to learn all about data science or machine learning, I'm just trying to master the facet of predictive analytics. I know you use R, statistics, and data modeling, but what else? 

Answer 1

To begin understanding any predictive analytics, you need to start from understanding the math model building principles underlying a simple linear regression, moving on to multiple linear regression. These two models are the staple of any beginning book on statistics. Understanding deeply the math going on in regression models will let you transfer that knowledge to more modern ways to do predictions, e.g in the domain of time or classifying objects in a picture, etc So, pick up a first book on statistics and master that. R, python, and Matlab etc are just programming tools to help implement the math modeling.