Week 3: The Wonderful World of Data
THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF DATA INTRODUCTION
Amazing world of data creates many ways to find and look at the universe and our world. Such a field of data analytics seems so exciting and gives great insight into life around us.
In this course, through the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate at Coursera, you are going to learn all vital concepts and skills in relation to the data life cycle that are to be mastered for a thriving career as a data analyst. This will also introduce you to key applications like Python, SQL, and Tableau and many more that would be relevant and confident use in practice. Most importantly, it would deal with major concepts in things such as mining data and management of databases, which guarantees successful practice in the profession.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize main software applications that concern the work area of a data analyst: spreadsheets, databases, query languages, and visualization tools.
- Identify the connections between the data analysis process and courses in the Google Data Analytics Certificate.
- Define the process of data analysis using the ask, prepare, process, analyze, share, and act phases.
- Illustrate the way data is used to make decisions in everyday life.
- Describe the role of spreadsheets, query languages, and data visualization tools in the data analytics landscape.
- Analyze the different stages of the data life cycle.
Test Your Knowledge on the Data Life Vycle
1. Fill in the blank: During the _____ phase of the data life cycle, a business decides what kind of data it needs, how it will be managed, who will be responsible for it, and the optimal outcomes.
- Manage
- Archive
- Capture
- Planning (Correct)
Correct: During this time, the company will be able to obtain the rights to its required data and to plan how this data will be stored and maintained, who will be responsible for it, as well as what the desired benefits would be.
2. In the data life cycle which phase involves gathering data from various sources and bringing it into the organization?
- Capture (Correct)
- Manage
- Archive
- Analyze
Correct: The collection phase refers to gathering data from various sources and porting it into the organization for further processing and analysis.
3. A data analyst finishes using a dataset, so they erase or shred the files in order to protect private information. This is called archiving.
- True
- False (Correct)
Correct: The discarding or shredding of files is a stage in the data life cycle which has been referred to as the destroy phase; in this phase, the data are permanently eliminated. Archiving data, however, means that the files will be stored differently and safely, with access to them also being made available in the future.
4. A dairy farmer decides to open an ice cream shop on her farm. After surveying the local community about people’s favorite flavors, she takes the data they provided and stores it in a secure hard drive so it can be maintained safely on her computer. This is part of which phase of the data life cycle?
- Analyze
- Manage (Correct)
- Archive
- Plan
Correct: This relates to the Manage phase of the data life cycle. The maintainers cover the data about where and how it is stored, as well as the tools that are used to facilitate security, and manage actions that help in proper care and preservation.
5. After opening the ice cream shop on her farm, the same dairy farmer then surveys the local community about people’s favorite flavors. She uses the data she collected to determine that the top five flavors are strawberry, vanilla, chocolate, mint chip, and peanut butter. She feels confident in her decision to sell these flavors. This is part of which phase of the data life cycle?
- Capture
- Analyze (Correct)
- Archive
- Plan
Correct: It is the analyze phase of the data life cycle. It utilizes the data and helps in making informed decisions to support business goals and drive success.
Test Your Knowledge on the Data Analysis Process
1. The data analysis process phases are Ask, Prepare, Process, Analyze, Share, and Act. What do data analysts do during the Ask phase?
- Define the problem to be solved. (Correct)
- Collect and store data.
- Create data visualizations
- Clean the data
Correct: During the Ask phase, it is about defining the problem through assessment of the current state and the gap with respect to the ideal or the desired state, which becomes the first step toward solving the problem. It is essentially defining the prerequisites to the actual inquiry.
2. During the process phase of data analysis, a data analyst cleans data to ensure it’s complete and correct.
- True (Correct)
- False
Correct: During the Process phase, the data will be identified to ascertain accuracy and reliability. Here, data analysts delve into purifying the data by including catching mistakes such as typos, reconciling inconsistent entries, and completing or fixing missing or erroneous information.
3. During which phase of data analysis would a data analyst use spreadsheets or query languages to transform data in order to draw conclusions?
- Process
- Prepare
- Analyze (Correct)
- Act
Correct: During the Analyze stage, various data analysis tools including spreadsheets and query languages are employed for working with the data to process and transform such data into information, which can then be used or analyzed by data analysts to conclude or even find decisions.
4. In which data analysis phase would a data analyst use visuals such as charts or graphs to simplify complex data for better understanding?
- Share (Correct)
- Act
- Process
- Prepare
Correct: The phase of SHARING concerns understanding what the results mean and communicating the results with other people. The data visualisation techniques are frequently used for this because they present the strong insights in a way that makes people get them effortlessly.
5. A data analyst shares insights from their analysis during a formal presentation to stakeholders. In a slideshow, they make a data-driven recommendation for how to solve a business problem. What phase of the data analysis process would come next?
- Prepare
- Ask
- Act (Correct)
- Process
Correct: So, after the data analyst shares insights in this instance, the next step is action-in other words, taking the insights and applying them to the business problem.
Test Your Knowledge on Data Analysis Toolbox
1. Based on what you have learned in this course, spreadsheets are digital worksheets that enable data analysts to do which of the following tasks? Select all that apply.
- Choose a topic for data analysis
- Organize data in columns and rows (Correct)
- Sort and filter data (Correct)
- Store data (Correct)
Correct: Data analysis has been made easy with the help of spreadsheets. They make it possible for data analysts to organize, sort, and filter data so that patterns can be identified, information can be grouped, and data accessed almost instantaneously for purposes of analysis.
2. Fill in the blank: A set of instructions that performs a specific calculation using spreadsheet data is called _____.
- An operation
- A report
- A program
- A formula (Correct)
Correct: It is a composition of specific and consistent steps to be used for carrying out a calculation on data in the spreadsheet.
3. A database is a collection of data stored in a computer system.
- True (Correct)
- False
Correct: A database is a collection of data stored in a computer system.
4. In data analytics, SQL is an acronym meaning _____ query language.
- syntax
- statistical
- software
- structured (Correct)
Correct: The term ‘SQL’ refers to Structured Query Language, which includes all data analysts who can use this for accessing and querying databases to retrieve, manipulate and manage data.
5. What is the term for the graphical representation of data?
- Data summary
- Data visualization (Correct)
- Data language
- Data collection
Correct: Data visualization is a way of presenting data in a graphical or visual form as a chart or graph map for the purposes of advocacy and easier comprehension of knowledge and trends.
Foundations: Data, Data, Everywhere Weekly Challenge 3
1. Fill in the blank: A business decides what kind of data it needs, how the data will be managed, and who will be responsible for it during the _____ stage of the data life cycle.
- manage
- analyze
- capture
- plan (Correct)
Correct: Planning is the first stage in the life cycle of data that would involve the determination of data types, management of data, and the designated person to take charge of data in an organization.
2. The destroy stage of the data life cycle might involve which of the following actions? Select all that apply.
- Uploading data to the cloud
- Shredding paper files (Correct)
- Storing data for future use
- Using data-erasure software (Correct)
Correct: Document shredding might be a process associated with the final stage called Destroy in the data lifecycle. Other methods include using software employed to erase digital data securely and irreversibly.
3. During the capture stage of the data life cycle, a data analyst may use spreadsheets to aggregate data.
- True
- False (Correct)
Correct: Data aggregation using spreadsheets generally happens during the Analyze stage since the data is processed and organized in order to reach conclusions and enable decision-making.
4. Fill in the blank: The data life cycle has six stages, whereas data analysis has six _____.
- key questions
- process steps (Correct)
- data types
- data analytics tools
Correct: The data life cycle and the data analysis process both consist of six elements. While the life cycle focuses on stages that guide overall managing and handling of data, analysis deals particularly with steps in analyzing and interpreting the data.
5. What actions might a data analytics team take in the Act phase of the data analysis process? Select all that apply.
- Putting a plan into action to help solve the business problem (Correct)
- Sharing analysis results using data visualizations
- Finalizing a strategy based on the analysis (Correct)
- Validating insights provided by analysts (Correct)
Correct: In this phase, the analytics team finalizes strategy and validates insight into the overarching matter, establishing a plan that will address a business problem or effect desired outcomes.
6. Fill in the blank: A formula is a set of instructions used to perform a specified calculation; whereas a function is _____.
- a computer programming language
- a particular value
- a question written by the user
- a predefined operation (Correct)
Correct: Containing collections of guiding instructions for executing specific calculation formulas are distinguished from functions synonymous with predefined commands automatically executing specific processing or operations.
7. Fill in the blank: To request, retrieve, and update information in a database, data analysts use a ____.
- dashboard
- query (Correct)
- calculation
- formula
Correct: A query enables data analysts to request, obtain and modify data available within a database, using specific commands and criteria to make that possible.
8. Fill in the blank: Structured query language (SQL) enables data analysts to _____ the information in a database. Select all that apply.
- Visualize
- Request (Correct)
- Retrieve (Correct)
- Update (Correct)
Correct: Queries can also be defined as ways of requesting, retrieving, or modifying information stored in the database using specific search criteria and commands by data analysts.
9. The manage stage of the data life cycle is when a business decides what kind of data it needs, how the data will be handled, and who will be responsible for it.
- True
- False (CORRECT)
Correct: During the planning phase, the business knows which type of data will be required, how it would be managed during its life cycle, who will be handling all of it, and what the objectives are.
10. A data analyst uses a spreadsheet function to aggregate data. Then, they add a pivot table to show totals from least to greatest. This would happen during which stage of the data life cycle?
- Capture
- Manage
- Plan
- Analyze (CORRECT)
Correct: In the Analyze stage, data is utilized to make well-informed decisions, and spreadsheets become a wonderful way to organize, process, and analyze this data in order to aid the decision-making process.
11. The data life cycle deals with the stages that data goes through; data analysis involves following a process to analyze data.
- True (CORRECT)
- False
Correct: The data life cycle can be defined as the steps that any data undertakes throughout its useful life, which range from collection to destruction.Data analysis then follows that it is a systematic process for analyzing the data obtained and interpreting it with a view to deriving insights and supporting decision making.
12. A company takes insights provided by its data analytics team, validates them, and finalizes a strategy. They then implement a plan to solve the original business problem. This describes which step of the data analysis process?
- Process
- Share
- Analyze
- Act (CORRECT)
Correct: This phase encompasses applying the learned insights to initiate action, implement strategies, and take decisions in accordance with the specific business problem or goal achieved.
13. What is the main difference between a formula and a function?
- A formula is used to add or subtract; a function is used to multiply or divide.
- A formula begins with an equal sign (=); a function begins with an asterisk (*).
- A formula can be used multiple times in a spreadsheet; a function can only be used once.
- A formula is a set of instructions used to perform a specified calculation; a function is a preset command that automatically performs a specified process. (CORRECT)
Correct: A formula is the user-defined set of commands for calculating a specific computation, while the function is an already predefined command that automatically performs a specific task or operation.
14. Structured query language (SQL) enables data analysts to communicate with a database.
- True (CORRECT)
- False
Correct: Manipulating the Database: This is simply an act of using a computer through the use of Structured Query Language (SQL). Structured Query Language enables the data analyst t interact with the database, retrieve, manipulate, and manage data using structured query.
15. In the analyze stage of the data life cycle, what might a data analyst do? Select all that apply.
- Choose the format of spreadsheet headings
- Use spreadsheets to aggregate data (CORRECT)
- Use a formula to perform calculations (CORRECT)
- Create a report from the data (CORRECT)
Correct: Utilizing formulas to conduct calculations, creating reports from data, and most importantly, organizing and collating the data using spreadsheets to make analysis easier are some of the employments made by a data analyst in the Analyze stage of the data life cycle.
16. Describe how the data life cycle differs from data analysis
- The data life cycle deals with identifying the best data to solve a problem; data analysis is about asking effective questions.
- The data life cycle deals with transforming and verifying data; data analysis is using the insights gained from the data.
- The data life cycle deals with making informed decisions; data analysis is using tools to transform data.
- The data life cycle deals with the stages that data goes through during its useful life; data analysis is the process of analyzing data. (CORRECT)
Correct: The cycle of data is outlined by stages for identifying the needs of data, the management, and the relationship of the data itself along its life. In contrast, data analysis is a series of steps in the data processing to be interpreted and deduced in such a way that informs the decision-making process.
17. Fill in the blank: A function is a predefined operation, whereas a formula is _____.
- a computer programming language
- a predefined statement
- a particular value
- a set of instructions used to perform a specified calculation (CORRECT)
Correct: Data life cycles involve the stages involved in identifying data needs, managing data, and maintaining it throughout its life. In contrast, data analysis is a series of process steps followed to interpret and derive meaning from the data in order to support significant decision-making.
18. Fill in the blank: A query is used to _____ information from a database. Select all that apply.
- visualize
- update (CORRECT)
- retrieve (CORRECT)
- request (CORRECT)
Correct: A query is an access point for data analysts who can use it to request, retrieve, and alter information contained in a database. A query sets certain commands and specific conditions for the request, accessing the information in the database.
19. In which stage of the data life cycle does a business decide what kind of data it needs, how the data will be managed, and who will be responsible for it?
- Manage
- Analyze
- Plan (CORRECT)
- Capture
Correct: Planning phase: Clearly identified or determined the kind of data that a business organization would require, how data throughout its life cycle would be governed, the stewards who would be managing it, and what those outcomes were intended to be.
20. A data analyst is working at a small tech startup. They’ve just completed an analysis project, which involved private company information about a new product launch. In order to keep the information safe, the analyst uses secure data-erasure software for the digital files and a shredder for the paper files. Which stage of the data life cycle does this describe?
- Archive
- Manage
- Destroy (CORRECT)
- Plan
Correct: Destruction phase: during which data analysts employ secure data-erasure programs, plus shredding paper files, to completely eliminate any permanent data and protect private and sensitive information.
21. A company takes insights provided by its data analytics team, validates them, and finalizes a strategy. They then implement a plan to solve the original business problem. This describes the share step of the data analysis process.
- True
- False (CORRECT)
Correct: It is the phase described here which acts on the insights derived from data analysis. During this phase, the company or organization deploys a scheme to address the original business problem and obtain the expected results.
22. A data analyst wants to retrieve information from a database. Select the correct tool from the data analyst’s toolkit.
- Dashboard
- Query (CORRECT)
- Visualization
- Spreadsheet
Correct: Through the use of a query, data analysts may call, retrieve and update data from a database by providing specific commands or instructions.
23. Data analysts use queries to request, retrieve, and update information within a database.
- True (CORRECT)
- False
Correct: The data can thus be queried through a database that allows data analysts to retrieve, request, and update information, while also making the commenting as efficient as possible.
24. You are in the plan stage of the data lifecycle for your current project. What action might you take during this stage?
- Use a formula to perform calculations.
- Shred paper files.
- Validate insights provided by analysts.
- Decide what kind of data is needed. (CORRECT)
Correct!
25. What is the primary purpose of the destroy stage of the data life cycle?
- To determine who is responsible for managing the data.
- To validate the results of analysis.
- To use functions for investigating the data.
- To keep information safe by eliminating records of it (CORRECT)
Correct!
26. A data analyst is working at a small tech startup. On their current project they are in the analyze stage of the data life cycle. What might they do in this stage?
- Choose the format of their spreadsheet headings
- Validate the insights provided by analysts
- Use a formula to perform calculations (CORRECT)
- Determine who is responsible for managing the data
Correct!
27. A business analyst recently completed a project that their company has decided to use to solve a larger business problem. What step is this in the data analysis process?
- Process
- Share
- Analyze
- Act (CORRECT)
Correct!
28. Data analysts use queries to analyze information within a database.
- True (CORRECT)
- False
Correct!
29. In the plan stage of the data life cycle, what decisions would a data analyst make? Select all that apply.
- How the data will be analyzed
- Who will be responsible for the data (CORRECT)
- How the data will be managed (CORRECT)
- What kind of data is needed (CORRECT)
Correct!
30. A set of instructions used to perform a specified calculation is known as what?
- A predefined statement
- A particular value
- A formula (CORRECT)
- A function
Correct!
31. In the course of their current project, a data analyst uses a query to retrieve and request information. Which of the following are options the analyst can use a query for? Select all that apply.
- Visualizing data
- Collecting data
- Deleting data (CORRECT)
- Updating data (CORRECT)
Correct!
32. Why is SQL the most popular structured query language? Select all that apply.
- SQL is the most secure database on the market
- SQL is easy to understand
- SQL works with a wide variety of databases (CORRECT)
- SQL allows data analysts to use spreadsheets (CORRECT)
Correct!
33. A data analyst has finished an analysis project that involved private company data. They erase the digital files in order to keep the information secure. This describes which stage of the data life cycle?
- Manage
- Plan
- Destroy (CORRECT)
- Archive
Correct!
34. The data life cycle deals with the stages that data goes through during its useful life; data analysis involves following a process to analyze data.
- True (CORRECT)
- False
Correct!
35. In data analysis, a function is a preset command whereas a formula is a set of instructions used to carry out a specific calculation.
- True (CORRECT)
- False
Correct!
36. Fill in the blank: To request, retrieve, and update information in a database, data analysts use a _____.
- query (CORRECT)
- calculation
- dashboard
- formula
Correct!
37. The planning stage of the data life cycle is when a business decides what kind of data it needs, how the data will be handled, and who will be responsible for it.
- True (CORRECT)
- False
Correct!
38. In the analyze phase of the data life cycle, what might a data analyst do? Select all that apply.
- Chooses the format of their spreadsheet headings
- Use spreadsheets to aggregate data (CORRECT)
- Use a formula to perform calculations (CORRECT)
- Create a report from their data (CORRECT)
Correct!
39. Fill in the blank: In the act phase of the data analysis process, a company may need to _____ the insights of the data analysis team.
- revise
- validate (CORRECT)
- accomplish
- calculate
Correct!
40. Fill in the blank: Using a formula to perform calculations, creating a report from their data, and using spreadsheets to aggregate data would all be actions carried out in the ________ stage of the data lifecycle.
- capture
- analyze (CORRECT)
- plan
- manage
Correct!
41. Fill in the blank: The data life cycle has six stages, whereas data analysis has six _____.
- process steps (CORRECT)
- data types
- key questions
- data analytics tools
Correct!
42. Fill in the blank: A function is a preset command, whereas a formula is _____.
- a set of instructions used to perform a specified calculation (CORRECT)
- a particular value
- a computer programming language
- a predefined statement
Correct!
43. In the destroy phase of the data lifecycle, a data analyst might shred paper files.
- True (CORRECT)
- False
Correct!
44. A data analyst is working at a small tech startup. On their current project they are using spreadsheets to aggregate data. In which stage of the data life cycle is this analyst?
- Manage
- Plan
- Analyze (CORRECT)
- Archive
Correct!
45. In data analysis, a preset command is known as what?
- A predefined statement
- A formula
- A particular value
- A function (CORRECT)
Correct!
THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF DATA CONCLUSION
For new entrants into data analysis, the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate at Coursera is excellent in completing a solid foundation in the full-circle method of data analysis. This course covers essential topics such as data mining, database management, and hands-on tools such as SQL, Tableau, and Python. Whether you are seeking a career change or just looking to strengthen your skills, this course provides bright practical knowledge and the confidence to step into a new career in data analytics. If you need to hype up your data analysis game, this course will be on this next step!