course 2 Ask Questions

Which of the following are examples of operators used in formulas? Select all that apply.

+ -

What is the term for a preset command in a spreadsheet?

Function

In the function =MAX(G3:G13), what does G3:G13 represent?

The range

Putting data into context helps data analysts eliminate _____.

bias

Data analysts can use _____ to highlight the area around cells in order to see spreadsheet data more clearly.

borders

_____ questions suggests an answer as part of the question.

leading

Quantitative data is specific and _____.

objective

Context can turn _____ into meaningful information.

raw data

Grouping data based on common features.

Categorizing things

The customer-facing team does which of the following activities? Select all that apply.

Compile information about customer expectations, Share customer feedback

What is the correct spreadsheet formula for multiplying cell K3 times cell K8?

=K3*K8

You are working with spreadsheet data about a cross-country relay race. Each runner's times are located in cells H2 through H28. To find the runner with the slowest time, what is the correct function?

=MAX(H2:H28)

The spotting something unusual problem type could involve which of the following scenarios?

A data analyst working for an agricultural company examines why a dataset has a surprising and rare data point.

Which of the following examples describes using data to achieve business results? Select all that apply.

A large retailer performs data analysis on product purchases to create better promotions. and A video streaming service analyzes user preferences to customize movie recommendations.

Data analysts use which of the following functions to quickly perform calculations in a spreadsheet? Select all that apply

AVERAGE, MIN, SUM

A data analyst uses the SMART methodology to create a question that encourages change. This type of question can be described how?

Action-oriented

In the SMART methodology, questions that encourage change are described how?

Action-oriented

A data analyst might use descriptive column headers in order to achieve what goal?

Add context to their data

What do data analysts use to label the type of data contained in each column in a spreadsheet?

Attributes

The _____ function quickly counts how many items in a range of cells meet a given criterion. Using functions to make calculations and analyze data is an important skill for a data analyst.

COUNTIF

A data analyst identifies and classifies keywords from customer reviews to improve customer satisfaction. This is an example of which problem type?

Categorizing things

Categorizing things is one of the six problem types data analysts solve. This type of problem might involve which of the following actions?

Classifying or grouping items

_____ questions are questions that ask for a one-word or brief response only

Closed-ended

To avoid bias when collecting data, a data analyst should keep what in mind?

Context

A data analyst is researching the buying behavior of people who shop at a company's retail store and those who might shop there in the future. During the analysis, it will be important to stay in communication with the team that most often interacts with these shoppers. What is the name of this team?

Customer-facing team

In data analytics, how are dashboards different from reports?

Dashboards monitor live, incoming data from multiple datasets and organize the information into one central location. Reports are static collections of data.

Describe the difference between data and metrics.

Data is a collection of facts. Metrics are quantifiable data types used for measurement.

Identifying similar challenges across different entities—and using data and insights to find common solutions.

Discovering connections

_____ means asking questions that make sense to everyone. Even if a data analyst suspects people will understand abbreviations, slang, or other jargon, it's important to write questions with simple wording.

Fairness

A data analyst has been invited to a meeting. They review the agenda and notice that their data analysis project is one of the topics that will be discussed. They plan to arrive on time and have a pen and paper to take notes. But they do not spend time considering project updates they could share or questions they may be asked. This is appropriate because they're not the one running the meeting.

False

Data analysts focus on statistical significance to make sure they have enough data so that a few unusual responses don't skew results.

False

In data analytics, a pattern is defined as a process or set of rules to be followed for a specific task.

False

The amount of exercise time it takes for a single person to burn a minimum of 400 calories is a problem that requires big data.

False

To determine an organization's annual budget, a data analyst might use a slideshow.

False

A data analyst at an online retailer works with historical sales data. The analyst identifies repeating trends in the sales data. This is an example of which problem type?

Finding patterns

Using historical data about what happened in the past to understand how likely it is to happen again.

Finding patterns

In the function =SUM(G1:G35), identify the range.

G1:G35

Asking questions including, "Does my analysis answer the original question?" and "Are there other angles I haven't considered?" enable data analysts to accomplish what tasks? Select all that apply.

Help team members make informed, data-driven decisions, Use data to get to a solid conclusion, Consider the best ways to share data with others

The question, "Why was the Monday afternoon yoga class successful?" is not measurable. Which of the following questions presents a measurable way to learn about the yoga class?

How many customers responded to our half-price yoga promotion?

A data analyst has entered the analyze step of the data analysis process. Identify the questions they might ask during this phase. Select all that apply

How will my data help me solve this problem? and What story is my data telling me?

Categorizing things involves assigning items to categories, whereas _____ takes those categories a step further, grouping them into broader classifications.

Identifying themes

Recognizing broader concepts and trends from categorized data.

Identifying themes

Finding patterns is one of the six problem types data analysts aim to solve. This type of problem might involve which of the following?

Identifying trends from historical data

Which of the following examples are leading questions? Select all that apply

In what ways did our product meet your needs?, What do you enjoy most about our service?, and

Attributes are used in spreadsheets for what purpose?

Label the data in each column

In data analytics, dashboards monitor data that is a continuous source of incoming information. Which of the following terms describes this type of data?

Live

Which of the following tasks might be performed using spreadsheets?

Maintain information about accounts

A data analyst is working for a local power company. Recently, many new apartments have been built in the community, so the company wants to determine how much electricity it needs to produce for the new residents in the future. A data analyst uses data to help the company make a more informed forecast. This is an example of which problem type?

Making predictions

Using data to make informed decisions about how things may be in the future.

Making predictions

Which of the following steps are key to leading a professional online meeting? Select all that apply.

Making sure your technology is working properly before starting the meeting and Sitting in a quiet area that's free of distractions

what is closely related to your timeline? What are the major milestones for progress in your project? How do you know when a given part of the project is considered complete?

Milestones

If a cooking supply store wants to attract more customers, where can they advertise to better reach their target audience? Select all that apply.

On a podcast for foodies, On TV during the season finale of The Best Chef in the Universe, and At a bus stop near a local culinary school

_____ tables are used to reorganize, group, and calculate totals from data.

Pivot

Return on Investment (ROI) uses which of the following metrics in its definition?

Profit and investment

What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative data?

Qualitative data can be used to measure qualities and characteristics. Quantitative data can be used to measure numerical facts

_____ data is a specific and objective measure, such as a number, quantity or range.

Quantitative

A pivot table is a data-summarization tool used in data processing. Which of the following tasks can pivot tables perform? Select all that apply.

Reorganize data, Group data, Calculate totals from data

The human resources director approaches a data analyst to propose a new data analysis project. The analyst has a lot of experience in human resources and believes the director is taking the wrong approach, and it will lead to some problems. Select the data analyst's best course of action.

Respectfully explain their viewpoints and offer the director some additional information to help improve the project.

Creating an _____ helps to make sure that everyone involved shares the understanding of what those business goals are, and the plan for accomplishing them

SOW

If something changes in the project, your _____ should reflect those changes.

SOW

A metric is a single, quantifiable type of data that can be used for what task?

Setting and evaluating goals

Describe the key differences between small data and big data. Select all that apply.

Small data focuses on short, well-defined time periods. Big data focuses on change over a long period of time, Small data involves datasets concerned with a small number of specific metrics. Big data involves datasets that are larger and less specific, Small data is effective for analyzing day-to-day decisions. Big data is effective for analyzing more substantial decisions.

Identifying data that is different from the norm.

Spotting something unusual

As a data analyst, it's important to communicate often. Sharing detailed notes and creating reports are ways to communicate with the people who have invested time and resources in a project. Who are these people?

Stakeholders

To address a vague, complex problem, a data analyst breaks it down into smaller steps. They use a process to help them recognize the current problem or situation, organize available information, reveal gaps and opportunities, and identify options. What does this scenario describe?

Structured thinking

Your data analytics team has been working on a project for a few weeks. You're almost done, when your supervisor suddenly changes the business task. Everyone has to start all over again. You announce to the team that you're going to say something to the supervisor about how unreasonable this is. What's the best next step?

Take a few minutes to calm down, then ask your colleagues to share their perspectives so you can work together to determine the best next step.

A data analyst receives an email from the vice president of marketing. The vice president is upset because the report they want from the analyst is late. Select the best course of action

The analyst should respond saying they understand the vice president's concerns, provide a status update, and let the vice president know when to expect the completed report.

A time-bound SMART question specifies which of the following parameters?

The era, phase, or period of analysis

A data analyst working for a mid-sized retailer is writing questions for a customer experience survey. One of the questions is: "Do you prefer online or in-store?" Then, they rewrite it to say: "Do you prefer shopping at our online marketplace or shopping at your local store?" Describe why this is a more effective question

The first question is vague, whereas the second question includes important context.

Which of the following is an example of small data?

The number of steps someone walks in a day

Marketing analytics is the process of measuring, analyzing, and managing a company's marketing strategy and budget. Often, this involves identifying the company's target audience.

The people the company is trying to reach

A data analyst at a delivery company is working on a logistics project. The goal is to use data to create more efficient routes so trucks travel fewer miles on the road when delivering parcels to customers. Who is the primary stakeholder most likely to be?

The vice president of logistics

People who hold a stake in the outcome of a data analysis project are called stakeholders. In what ways do they hold a stake in the outcome?

They invest time and resources into the project.

A data analyst considers who, what, when, where, why, and how in order to achieve what goal?

To put information into context

A data analyst is using data from a short time period to solve a problem related to someone's day-to-day decisions. They are most likely working with small data.

True

Formulas are created by the user, whereas functions are preset commands in spreadsheets.

True

The finding patterns problem type could involve which of the following actions?

Using historical data to create a report that shows when batteries have been replaced on critical equipment

A data analytics team works to recognize the current problem. Then, they organize available information to reveal gaps and opportunities. Finally, they identify the available options. These steps are part of what process?

Using structured thinking

Organizing available information and revealing gaps and opportunities are part of what process?

Using structured thinking

_____ questions are questions that aren't specific or don't provide context

Vague

A data analyst feels overworked. They often stay late to finish work, and have started missing deadlines. Their supervisor emails them another project to complete, and this causes the analyst even more stress. How should they handle this situation?

Wait a few minutes to think it over, then respond with a meeting request to discuss this project and the general workload.

what questions are asked in the Deliverables phase?

What work is being done, and what things are being created as a result of this project? When the project is complete, what are you expected to deliver to the stakeholders?

Which of the following questions make assumptions? Select all that apply.

Wouldn't you agree that product A is better than product B?, It must be frustrating waiting on hold for so long, right?, and Keeping employees engaged is important, isn't it?

When giving a spreadsheet a title, what are some best practices to follow? Select all that apply.

clear, short, and state what the spreadsheet is about

Data-inspired decision-making explores different data sources to find _____.

commonalities

A data analyst considers which organization created, collected, or funded a dataset in order to understand its _____.

context

The fact is, data has little value if it is not paired with _____.

context

Small _____ involves datasets concerned with a small number of specific metrics. Big data involves datasets that are larger and less specific.

data

the goal of all _____ is to use data to draw accurate conclusions and make good recommendations.

data analysts

What is the term for the set of cells that a data analyst selects to include in a formula?

data range

Small data is effective for analyzing _____ decisions. Big data is effective for analyzing more substantial decisions

day-to-day

In a spreadsheet, a formula should always start with which of the following operators?

equal sign =

A data analyst at a social media company is creating questions for a focus group. They use common abbreviations such as PLS for "please" and LMK for "let me know." This is fair because the participants use social media a lot and are likely to be technically savvy.

false

In spreadsheets, data analysts begin _____ with an equal sign (=).

formulas

Data analysts use which of the following functions to quickly perform calculations in a spreadsheet? Select all that apply.

formulas and functions

Within a spreadsheet, data analysts use which tools to save time and effort by automating commands? Select all that apply.

formulas and functions

What is the term for a preset command in a spreadsheet?

function

Small data focuses on short, well-defined time periods. Big data focuses on change over a _____.

long period of time

You are working with spreadsheet data about a cross-country relay race. Each runner's times are located in cells H2 through H28. To find the runner with the slowest time, what is the correct function?

max

A metric goal is a _____ goal set by a company that is evaluated using metrics.

measurable

Questions leading to answers that can be quantified and assessed align with which component of the SMART methodology?

measurable

In data analytics, qualitative data _____. Select all that apply.

measures qualities and characteristics and is subjective

Return on investment compares the cost of an investment to the _____ of that investment

net profit

closed-ended questions do not encourage people to expand on their answer. It is really easy for them to give _____ responses that aren't very informative

one-word

In spreadsheets, what is the term for the symbols used in formulas to perform a specific calculation?

operators

Some of the most common symbols used in formulas include + (addition), - (subtraction), * (multiplication), and / (division). These are called _____.

operators

A scope of work is an agreed-upon _____ of the work you're going to perform on a project.

outline

Leading questions are questions that only have a _____ response

particular

A data analyst is trying to understand what data to use to help solve a business problem. They're asking questions such as, "What internal data is available in the database?" and "What outside facts do I need to research?" The data analyst is in which phase of the data analysis process?

prepare

making predictions, categorizing things, spotting something unusual, identifying themes, discovering connections, finding patterns are all apart of?

problem types

In which step of the data analysis process would an analyst ask questions such as, "What data errors might get in the way of my analysis?" or "How can I clean my data so the information I have is consistent?

process

If a data analyst is measuring qualities and characteristics, they are considering _____ data.

qualitative

When you created a complete and thorough mock SOW, which foundational pieces of content did you include? Select all that apply.

reports, milestones, deliverables, timeline,

The _____ of your project is everything that you are expected to complete or accomplish, defined to a level of detail that doesn't leave any ambiguity or confusion about whether a given task or item is part of the project or not.

scope

A _____ is project-based and sets the expectations and boundaries of a project.

scope of work

SOW stands for

scope of work

Clarifying requirements and _____ are two of the most important parts of a project

setting expectations

A data analyst creates data visualizations and a slideshow. Which phase of the data analysis process does this describe?

share

Data analysts typically work with _____ problem types

six

What are the first steps a data analyst takes when working with data in a spreadsheet?

sort and filter

To determine an organization's annual budget, a data analyst might use a _____.

spreadsheet

Reports: Good SOWs also set boundaries for how and when you'll give status updates to _____. How will you communicate progress with stakeholders and sponsors, and how often? Will progress be reported weekly? Monthly? When milestones are completed? What information will status reports contain?

stakeholders

The point of data analysis projects is to complete business tasks that are useful to the _____.

stakeholders

What includes objectives, guidelines, deliverables, schedule, and costs.

statement of work

A data analyst joins an online meeting on time. After reviewing the agenda, they see that their project comes at the very end. They're extremely busy and can use this time to stay on top of their current projects. How should they proceed?

stay and wait patiently for their turn

These four basic activities (Recognizing the current problem or situation, Organizing available information, Revealing gaps and opportunities, and Identifying your options) are all part of what process?

structured thinking

What process do data analysts use to recognize the current situation, organize information, and identify options?

structured thinking

Pivot tables in data processing tools are used to _____ data.

summarize

While considering a research question, a data analyst follows the SMART methodology. They limit their analysis to include data from July 2012 to August 2012. What component of the SMART framework describes this decision?

time bound

Timeline: Your _____ will be closely tied to the milestones you create for your project. The timeline is a way of mapping expectations for how long each step of the process should take. The timeline should be specific enough to help all involved decide if a project is on schedule. When will the deliverables be completed? How long do you expect the project will take to complete? If all goes as planned, how long do you expect each component of the project will take? When can we expect to reach each milestone?

timeline

A scope of work may be included in a statement of work to help define project outcomes

true

A statement of work is a document that clearly identifies the products and services a vendor or contractor will provide to an organization.

true

If someone is subjectively describing their feelings or emotions, it is qualitative data.

true

In a formula, the plus sign (+) is the operator for addition, and the hyphen (-) is the operator for subtraction.

true

To perform calculations in a spreadsheet, data analysts use formulas and functions.

true

A common example of an _____ question is one that makes assumptions. Unfair questions assume the respondent's answer to the question.

unfair

Data-inspired decision-making can discover _____ when exploring different data sources.

what the data has in common