Exploring data
What is data?
Data is any piece of information that you can collect, analyze, and interpret to make decisions.
Data is a collection of information.
Data refers to any information that can be gathered and examined.
Primary data
- Surveys
- Interviews
- Observations
Determine what works and what not. Improve and attract
Secondary data:
- Marketing research groups
- Government organizations
- Private companies
Why does data matter?
- Informed decision making
- Enhanced operational efficiency
- Competitive advantage
- Performance management
- Accountability and transparency
Different types of data
Exploring data
Qualitative and quantitative
Qualitative data, or categorical data, is descriptive data that represents non-numeric
characteristics such as appearances, experiences, opinions, behaviors, attitudes, or beliefs.
Quantitative data, or numerical data, is directly measurable data that is numerical in nature
Primary and secondary data
Primary data is data that researchers or someone that they directly work with collect for their own
purposes, such as answering a business-related question. Researchers usually collect primary data
through methods such as surveys, experiments, observations, or interviews.
Secondary data is data that another person, department, company, or organization collects for
their own purposes, not the researcher’s. Researchers use secondary data to help them reach
their goals. Frequently used secondary data sources include government reports, online
databases, and private businesses.
Structure and unstructured data
Structured data refers to information that is organized in a clear, defined manner, typically in rows
and columns.
- Structured data relies on a predefined set of rules, known as a schema, which dictates
what type of data can be stored (for example, text, numbers, or dates) and how it should
be arranged.
Unstructured data refers to information that does not follow a predefined format and lacks any
built-in organization or structure
- Unstructured data is freeform and diverse, spanning text, images, audio, video, and more.
As a result, you cannot easily predict its meaning or outcomes by just looking at it.
What is a database?
Data overload refers to a situation where the volume of data becomes so large and complex that it
overwhelms the systems and people responsible for handling it
A database is an organized collection of data stored in a computer system.
- Organize data efficiently
- Retrieve data efficiently
- Keep data secure
- Support multiple users
- Scales data storage
Exploring data
How to manage data in database
Database management system (DBMS) refers to software that helps you manage and manipulate
databases.
- DBMS serves as a connection between users and the database, allowing users to store,
retrieve, and modify data stored in the database. (The database is the shelf, the DBMS is
the librarian)
Structured query language (SQL) is a programming language that allows users to ask questions or
“query” the database and modify its contents (A filter to look for specific information in the data)
What is data analysis?
Data analysis refers to the process of examining raw data to extract meaningful insights that can
guide decision making.
1. Prepare for analysis
Data analysts focus on defining objectives, understanding the requirements for the analysis, and
creating a structured plan to ensure the process runs smoothly. Define, asses, plan.
2. Gather data
Where data analysts collect the necessary data needed to address the defined objectives. Extract
data and store data.
3. Manipulate the data
Data analysts transform and prepare the collected data for analysis. Remove duplicate records,
standardize data, and remove incomplete or sensitive data.
4. Analyze the data
Data analysts apply statistical and analytical techniques to the cleaned and organized data in order
to uncover patterns, trends, and insights. Bar graph, pie chart, word cloud
5. Interpret the data
Data analysts make sense of the insights uncovered during the analyze the data step. Draw
conclusions, make recommendations.
Data and AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the ability of a machine to learn patterns and make predictions.
Exploring data
- Automate, improve analysis and enhance data security.
Internet of things (IoT)
Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the network of connected devices that collect, share, and
exchange data.
- Facilitate real time data processing, improve predictive analytics, and scales data
management and storage