Course 2 Module 1 Terms

Glossary Terms from Course Two, Module One

• Action Oriented Question

  • A question designed to yield answers that prompt change or action.

• Cloud

  • A storage system that keeps data online instead of on a physical computer hard drive.

• Data Analysis Process

  • Comprises six phases:

    1. Ask - Formulate key questions.

    2. Prepare - Gather and organize data.

    3. Process - Clean and format data for analysis.

    4. Analyze - Interpret data to derive insights.

    5. Share - Communicate findings to stakeholders.

    6. Act - Implement decisions based on insights gained.

  • Purpose: To gain insights that drive informed decision-making.

• Data Life Cycle

  • Sequence of stages data moves through:

    1. Plan - Strategy for data handling.

    2. Capture - Collecting data.

    3. Manage - Organizing and maintaining data.

    4. Analyze - Examining data for meanings.

    5. Archive - Storing data for future reference.

    6. Destroy - Eliminating data that is no longer needed.

• Leading Question

  • A question formulated to guide respondents toward a specific answer, often biasing their response.

• Measurable Question

  • A question designed to yield quantifiable answers that can be statistically assessed.

• Problem Types

  • Categories of problems data analysts face, including:

    • Categorizing items.

    • Discovering connections between data points.

    • Finding patterns within datasets.

    • Identifying themes through analysis.

    • Making predictions based on data trends.

    • Spotting anomalies or unusual occurrences.

• Relevant Question

  • A question pertinent to the problem at hand, contributing significantly to finding a solution.

• SMART Methodology

  • A strategy for assessing the effectiveness of a question, based on five criteria:

    • Specific - Clear and focused.

    • Measurable - Capable of being quantified.

    • Action Oriented - Encourages action or change.

    • Relevant - Important to the issue.

    • Time Bound - Includes a specific timeframe.

• Specific Question

  • A straightforward and concentrated question focused on a single, significant idea or a few closely related concepts.

• Structured Thinking

  • A systematic approach to understanding problems that involves:

    • Recognizing the current situation or issue.

    • Organizing all pertinent information.

    • Identifying gaps in information and areas for improvement.

    • Considering various options for solutions.

• Time Bound Question

  • A question that stipulates a specific timeframe for investigation or analysis.

• Unfair Question

  • A question that carries assumptions or is framed in a way that makes it challenging to answer truthfully and fairly.