Foundations: Data, Data, Everywhere - Module 1

Which of the following examples demonstrate data-driven decision-making? Select all that apply.

A grocery store polls customers about their brand preferences, then uses the survey results to determine which items to stock. A manufacturing company uses documented information about production processes to improve efficiency. A weather forecaster refers to information about past extreme weather in order to better predict future events. A government agency uses facts documented in police reports to help develop crime-prevention strategies. An online retailer surveys customers to develop new products that are more likely to be successful.

What type of data visualization might an analyst create in order to communicate data insights to others? Select all that apply.

Chart Map Graph

Which of the following are examples of analytical thinking? Select all that apply.

Considering the best graphical formats to visually communicate information Identifying and defining a problem, then solving it by using data in an organized manner Noting that just because two pieces of data trend in the same direction, it does not necessarily mean they are related

In your role as a data professional, you examine a dataset of taxi rides to determine which hour of the day typically has the highest demand. Under which discipline does this example best fall?

Data analysis

An e-commerce website collects, observes, and analyzes its customers' online behaviors. Then, it uses the insights gained to choose when to put certain products on sale. What business practice does this describe?

Data-driven decision-making

While planning a roadtrip, you figure out all of the specific stops you need to take along the way. You also consider how often you'll stop for gas, meals, and sleep. Having this information enables you to execute your plan. What does this scenario describe?

Detail oriented thinking

A software company wants to improve its customer experience scores by 3% over the next 30 days. A data professional works to achieve this objective by understanding current scores and how far away they are from desired scores. They then use data insights to help advance the company from where they are now to where they want to be next month. What does this scenario describe?

Gap analysis

What is a method for examining and evaluating how a process works currently in order to get to an improved future state?

Gap analysis

Which of the following statements correctly describe data and data analysis? Select all that apply.

One goal of data analysis is to make predictions. Data is a collection of facts. Data analysis involves collecting, transforming, and organizing data.

Which of the following activities are elements of data-driven decision-making? Select all that apply.

Request observations from subject-matter experts Define the business need Find relevant data

A junior data analyst at a construction company develops a plan about a home-remodeling project. They employ analytical thinking to stay focused and on track. They also consider how to improve the quality and usefulness of the data they collect. Which aspect of analytical thinking does this scenario describe?

Strategic thinking

A data professional is always interested in learning new skills and gaining knowledge. They often seek out challenging assignments at work and professional development experiences. Which analytical skill does this scenario describe?

Technical mindset

Which analytical skill involves the ability to break things down into smaller steps and work with them in an orderly and logical way?

Technical mindset

When building data into business strategy, why is it important to include insights from subject-matter experts? Select all that apply.

Their experience and human intuition are valuable to data-driven decision-making They can review analysis results and help identify inconsistencies They are familiar with the business problem

An acquaintance tells you that they spend many hours each day "playing." To learn more, you ask them whether they play sports, a musical instrument, or something else. Their answer helps you clarify the meaning of their statement. What does this scenario describe?

Understanding context

What is the root cause of a problem?

Why the problem occurs

Fill in the blank: The analytical skill _____ encompasses how someone organizes information.

data design

Fill in the blank: A _____ encompasses the various elements that interact with one another in order to produce, manage, store, organize, analyze, and share data.

data ecosystem

Fill in the blank: Analytical skills are the qualities and characteristics associated with using _____ to solve problems.

facts

Fill in the blank: Data analysts use a problem-oriented approach in order to _____, describe, and solve problems.

identify

Fill in the blank: Analytical thinking involves _____ a problem, then solving it by using data in an organized, step-by-step manner.

identifying and defining

Fill in the blank: Data science is creating new ways of modeling and _____ by using raw data.

understanding the unknown