Why Risk it, When You Can {rix} it: A Tutorial for Computational Reproducibility Focused on Simulation Studies

Abstract

Computational reproducibility remains limited in psychological research, despite widespread norms for sharing data and analysis code. One reason is that reproducibility exists on a continuum, ranging from partial transparency—such as providing scripts or software version numbers—to fully executable research compendia that regenerate all results from raw code. In this article, we introduce Nix and the {rix} R package as a practical framework for achieving full computational reproducibility in simulation-based research. We provide a step-by-step tutorial demonstrating how {rix} can be used to define, build, and share isolated, project-specific software environments that precisely capture R versions, package dependencies, system libraries, and integrated development environments. We further illustrate this workflow by reproducing a complete manuscript using Quarto and the {apaquarto} extension, showing how analyses, figures, and text can be regenerated in a single, executable pipeline. Together, these tools lower the technical barrier to robust, end-to-end reproducibility and offer a scalable solution for simulation studies and methodological research in psychology and related fields.