removing x axis in error.bars

Question

I've been having a problem today, I want to remove the x-axis from the following R-plot, but it just won't disappear. I want the axis to be on top. Is anybody able to help me?

library(psych)
temp <- describe(attitude)
error.bars(stats=temp,xaxt="n")
axis(3)

Answer 1

You can use fixInNamespace() to edit the error.bars() function in the psych NAMESPACE. Try:

fixInNamespace(error.bars)

That will open the function in a rudimentary text editing window. Find the axis() calls and comment out the ones you don't want. Exit the editor and R will update the function in the NAMESPACE.

Then try using the function again.

Alternatively, you can print the code for error.bars() to the prompt, copy it into a text editor, change the name of the function, say to my.error.bars, and comment out the axis() calls as before. Save the function in a file and source() it into your session or copy and paste the function in. Then use to your heart's desire.

A third alternative, is to work out how error.bars() does it's base plotting - look at the code. Recreate that plot yourself, without axes, then call error.bars() with add = TRUE.

Answer 2

As in the comment, you can edit the source code. Easiest way is probably to use 'fix':

eb = fix(error.bars)

should pop up an editor. Change the axis(1,.etc.) calls to axis(3,.etc.). Then you have a new function called eb() that works like error.bars.

You might want to tweak some other things too, like the title which stomps on the axes when placed at the top.