Week 3 – The wonderful world of data

 

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

Answers

·        analyze

·        manage

·        plan

·        capture

Explanation: In the statement, the word "definition" stands in place of the blank space. The whole statement would read like: "A business decides what kind of data it needs, how the data will be managed, and who will be responsible for it during the definition stage of the data life."

 

2. The destroy stage of the data life cycle might involve which of the following actions? Select all that apply.

Answers

·        Storing data for future use

·        Shredding paper files

·        Uploading data to the cloud

·        Using data-erasure software

 

3. During the capture stage of the data life cycle, a data analyst may use spreadsheets to aggregate data.

Answers

·        True

·        False

Explanation: Without a doubt! When it comes to aggregating and collecting data during the capture stage of the data life cycle, data analysts often make use of a wide variety of technologies, including spreadsheets. As a result of their user-friendliness and versatility in relation to data organization, manipulation, and analysis, spreadsheets are often selected for use in the first phases of data processing. In the stage known as "capture," you will be tasked with gathering raw data from a variety of sources. Spreadsheets may be an invaluable tool for organizing and preparing this raw data for further analysis.

 

4. Describe how the data life cycle differs from data analysis.

Answers

·        The data life cycle deals with making informed decisions; data analysis is using tools to transform data.

·        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 identifying the best data to solve a problem; data analysis is about asking effective questions.

·        The data life cycle deals with the stages that data goes through during its useful life; data analysis is the process of analyzing data.

Explanation: In a nutshell, the data life cycle is a framework that can be used to get an understanding of the many phases that are involved in the process of data management. On the other hand, data analysis is a particular activity that takes place within the larger context of the data life cycle and tries to derive useful information from data. The phases of the data life cycle that include processing and analysis both include data analysis as an essential component.

5. What actions might a data analytics team take in the act phase of the data analysis process? Select all that apply.

Answers

·        Sharing analysis results using data visualizations

·        Putting a plan into action to help solve the business problem

·        Validating insights provided by analysts

·        Finalizing a strategy based on the analysis

 

6. Fill in the blank: A formula is a set of instructions used to perform a specified calculation; whereas a function is _____.

Answers

·        a predefined operation

·        a question written by the user

·        a particular value

·        a computer programming language

Explanation: Compared to a function, which is a predetermined operation or group of operations that may be used in a formula, a formula is a series of instructions that are used to conduct a particular computation. A function can be utilized in a formula.

7. Fill in the blank: To request, retrieve, and update information in a database, data analysts use a ____.

Answers

·        calculation

·        dashboard

·        query

·        formula

Explanation: Data analysts will use something called a "query" in order to ask for information from a database, obtain it, and update it.

 

8. Structured query language (SQL) enables data analysts to communicate with a database.

Answers

·        True

·        False

Explanation: Without a doubt! SQL, which stands for "Structured Query Language," is a robust and standardized language that data analysts and database professionals use to interact with and modify relational databases. SQL is an acronym for "Structured Query Language." Users are granted the ability to carry out a variety of operations, including searching databases, obtaining, updating, adding, and removing data, as well as establishing and altering the structure of the database itself. Anyone who works with relational database management systems (RDBMS) should have a solid understanding of SQL since it offers a method that is both organized and easy to understand for interacting with databases.

Shuffle Q/A 1

9. You are in the plan stage of the data lifecycle for your current project. What action might you take during this stage?

Answer

·        Decide what kind of data is needed.

·        Use a formula to perform calculations.

·        Validate insights provided by analysts.

·        Shred paper files.

 

10. 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 state of the data life cycle does this describe?

Answer

·        Manage

·        Archive

·        Destroy

·        Plan

Explanation: The "Destruction" or "Disposal" stage of the data life cycle corresponds to the steps that have been detailed, which include employing secure data-erasure software for digital files and a shredder for paper files in order to maintain the confidentiality of the information. In this step, data that is no longer required or has reached the end of its life cycle is safely and permanently deleted from storage media or destroyed to avoid unauthorized access or possible breaches in the system. This is an essential step in preserving the integrity of one's data and ensuring that all applicable privacy and data protection requirements are adhered to.

 

11. 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?

Answer

·        Choose the format of their spreadsheet headings

·        Determine who is responsible for managing the data

·        Validate the insights provided by analysts

·        Use a formula to perform calculations

 

12. Fill in the blank: Data analysis has six process steps whereas the data life cycle has six _____.

Answer

·        data analytics tools

·        steps

·        stages

·        key questions

Explanation: The process of data analysis consists of six individual processes, whereas the data life cycle is divided into six distinct "stages."

 

13. What is the main difference between a formula and a function?

Answer

·        A formula can be used multiple times in a spreadsheet; a function can only be used once.

·        A formula begins with an equal sign (=); a function begins with an asterisk (*).

·        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.

·        A formula is used to add or subtract; a function is used to multiply or divide.

Explanation: To summarize, a formula is an expression that the user creates in order to conduct a calculation, while a function is an action that is pre-built and specified inside the program in order to carry out certain activities or computations. Formulas often make use of functions to improve the capabilities of data manipulation and analysis in spreadsheet programs. These applications are commonly known as "spreadsheets."

 

14. What does a data analyst use to request information within a database?

Answer

·        Calculation

·        Dashboard

·        Formula

·        Query

Explanation: Information from a database may be requested by a data analyst via the use of SQL, which stands for "structured query language." The management and manipulation of relational databases may be done with the help of the sophisticated and standardized language known as SQL. A data analyst may create queries in SQL to obtain, update, insert, or remove data from a database. These operations can be performed using the language. These queries provide analysts the ability to interact with the database, retrieve pertinent information, and carry out a variety of data manipulation operations to assist their efforts in analysis and reporting.

 

15. Why is SQL the most popular structured query language? Select all that apply.

Answer

·        SQL allows data analysts to use spreadsheets

·        SQL is the most secure database on the market

·        SQL is easy to understand

·        SQL works with a wide variety of databases

 

16. A data analyst uses spreadsheets to aggregate data during the capture phase of the data life cycle.

Answer

·        True

·        False

Explanation: It would seem that there is maybe some room for interpretation about the terms. During the "capture" phase of the data life cycle, raw data is often acquired or collected for the first time from a variety of sources. This phase is also known as the "acquisition" phase. The phase that happens after the data have been recorded is called the "processing" or "preparation" phase, and it is more appropriate to utilize spreadsheets for data aggregation during this phase.

During the "capture" phase, data analysts work on gathering data from various sources, including as external databases, sensors, user inputs, and other channels. This phase is sometimes referred to as the "gather" phase.

Before going on to the "analysis" phase, data analysts may utilize spreadsheets to collect, clean, and format the data as part of the "processing" or "preparation" phase. Spreadsheets are a typical tool used in the process of data preparation because they provide an environment that is both versatile and easy to understand for the purpose of organizing and manipulating data.

 

17. Fill in the blank: The data life cycle has six _____ .

Answer

·        data analytics tools

·        process steps

·        key questions

·        stages

Explanation: The data life cycle may be broken down into six distinct "stages."

 

18. Fill in the blank: A query is used to _____ information from a database. Select all that apply.

Answer

·        request

·        retrieve

·        visualize

·        update

Explanation: In order to "retrieve," "request," or "extract" information from a database, a query must first be executed.

 

Shuffle Q/A 2

19. Structured query language (SQL) allows a data analyst to retrieve and request data from a database. What else is SQL used for?

Answer

·        Visualizing data within a database

·        The revising phase of the data life cycle

·        Updating databases

·        The sharing phase of the data life cycle

 

20. Fill in the blank: A business is determining who should be responsible for the data in their current data analysis project. This means that the company is in the ______ stage of the data life cycle.

Answer

·        manage

·        plan

·        analyze

·        capture

Explanation: In the "Definition" stage of the data life cycle, an organization is able to determine who should be accountable for the data in their ongoing data analysis project. This shows that the organization is now in the "Definition" stage.

 

21. Fill in the blank: Shredding paper files and using data-erasure software would be actions taken by a data analyst in the _________ stage of the data lifecycle.

Answer

·        Manage

·        Plan

·        Archive

·        Destroy

Explanation: In the "Destruction" or "Disposal" stage of the data lifecycle, a data analyst could perform steps such as shredding paper files and employing data-erasure software.

 

22. Fill in the blank: Data analysis has six parts that are divided into distinct _____.

Answer

·        process steps

·        key questions

·        data analytics tools

·        stages

Explanation: A data analysis includes six individual "process steps."

 

23. Fill in the blank: In the _____ phase of the data analysis process, a data analytics team might validate the insights provided by analysts.

Answer

·        process

·        share

·        analyze

·        act

Explanation: The insights supplied by analysts might be verified by a data analytics team at the "Validate" stage of the data analysis process.

 

24. In data analysis, a predefined operation is known as what?

Answer

·        A function

·        A formula

·        A particular value

·        A predefined statement

Explanation: In data science, a "function" refers to a preset process. In analytical tools and programming languages, functions are predefined procedures or computations that may be used to carry out specified tasks on data. In order to achieve a given goal, functions are constructed to accept arguments and perform the corresponding procedure.

25. In the course of their current project, a data analyst uses a query to retrieve and request information. Which of the following is a third option they can use a query for?

Answer

·        Visualizing data

·        Updating data

·        Deleting data

·        Collecting data

Explanation: A data analyst might utilize a query not just for "requesting" information but also for "updating" information in the database as part of their current project. The UPDATE statement in a SQL query is a potent instrument for controlling and preserving data integrity, since it allows for the modification of already-existing information in a database.

 

26. 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?

Answer

·        Manage

·        Plan

·        Capture

·        Analyze

Explanation: The "Definition" phase of the data life cycle is when an organization chooses what data it needs, how that data will be maintained, and who will be accountable for it. At this point, companies determine why they need the data, what it needs to do, how it will be managed, and who will be responsible for it. It lays the groundwork for the organization's treatment of data over its entire lifespan.

 

27. A company takes the 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.

Answer

·        True

·        False

 

28. 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.

Answer

·        Updating data

·        Collecting data

·        Visualizing data

·        Deleting data

 

Shuffle Q/A 3

 

29. In the plan stage of the data life cycle, what decisions would a data analyst make? Select all that apply.

Answer

·        Who will be responsible for the data

·        How the data will be managed

·        What kind of data is needed

·        How the data will be analyzed

 

30. In the analyze phase of the data life cycle, what might a data analyst do? Select all that apply.

Answer

·        Use spreadsheets to aggregate data

·        Use a formula to perform calculations

·        Create a report from their data

·        Chooses the format of their spreadsheet headings

 

31. 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.

Answer

·        accomplish

·        revise

·        validate

·        calculate

Explanation: A corporation may need to "implement" the findings of the data analysis team in the "Act" step of the data analysis process. In this step, you'll implement solutions to the original business issue or adjustments to your processes based on the verified insights.

 

32. In data analysis, a function is a predefined operation whereas a formula is a set of instructions used to carry out a specific calculation.

Answer

·        True

·        False

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?

Answer

·         Plan

·        Destroy

·        Archive

·        Manage

Explanation: Exactly! You have distinguished between them accurately. A formula is a user-defined collection of instructions used to carry out a particular calculation or operation in a spreadsheet or similar software, whereas a function is a predetermined operation or series of operations that may be used to execute certain tasks in data analysis. Formulas often include functions to expand their capacity to manipulate and analyze data. Excellent work breaking down the distinction!

34. 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.

Answer

·        manage

·        plan

·        analyze

·        capture

Explanation: In the "Processing" or "Analysis" stage of the data lifecycle, tasks such as doing calculations using a formula, generating a report based on the data, and aggregating the data with spreadsheets would be completed. The goal of this phase is to obtain useful insights from the raw data and get it ready for reporting or further analysis.

 

35. Fill in the blank: In the _____ phase of the data analysis process, a data analytics team might validate the insights provided by analysts.

Answer

·        process

·        act

·        analyze

·        share

Explanation: The insights supplied by analysts might be verified by a data analytics team at the "Validate" stage of the data analysis process. Before moving on to the stage of implementation or decision-making, this step requires verifying that the conclusions acquired from the analysis are accurate, reliable, and resilient.

 

36. Fill in the blank: Structured query language (SQL) enables data analysts to _____ information from a database. Select all that apply.

Answer

·        retrieve

·        visualize

·        request

·        update

 

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.

Answer

·        True

·        False

Explanation: Absolutely! You have effectively summed up the data life cycle's planning phase. In this phase, companies determine what it is they want to do with their data, where they will get the information they need to do so, and how they will go about governing the information they collect and using. In order to ensure efficient data management throughout a project's or business's lifetime, this stage is essential. Fantastic clarification!

 

38. 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?

Answer

·        Analyze

·        Act

·        Process

·        Share

Explanation: The steps outlined here correspond to the data analysis process' "Act" stage. The "Act" stage involves verifying the insights acquired from data analysis and putting into motion a plan or strategy to fix the initial business issue or enhance the relevant business processes. Implementing the findings means creating a plan of action to bring about the desired results and accomplish the objectives identified in the data analysis's preliminary phases.

Shuffle Q/A 4

39. A data analyst wants to retrieve information from a database. Select the correct tool from the data analyst’s toolkit.

Answer

·        Spreadsheet

·        Visualization

·        Query

·        Dashboard

Explanation: A data analyst often uses SQL (Structured Query Language) to access data from a database. Using SQL, a common language for communicating with relational databases, analysts may craft queries to extract the data they need. Data processing, retrieval, and analysis from databases are all impossible without it.

 

40. 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?

Answer

·        Analyze

·        Manage

·        Plan

·        Archive

Explanation: The analyst is probably at the "Processing" or "Analysis" stage of the data life cycle if they are using spreadsheets to aggregate data. At this point, analysts change and interpret raw data in order to draw conclusions. In the processing and analysis stages of the data life cycle, spreadsheets are often used tools for activities such as aggregation, computation, and visualization.

41. 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 phase of the data life cycle?

Answer

·        Analyze

·        Manage

·        Capture

·        Plan

Explanation: Data aggregation via the use of a spreadsheet function and the creation of a pivot table are examples of activities that normally take place during the "Processing" or "Analysis" stages of the data life cycle. Data analysts do data manipulation, cleansing, and aggregation at this stage. Spreadsheet functions and tools like pivot tables are often used to organize and summarize data for further analysis.

42. 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?

Answer

·        Process

·        Act

·        Analyze

·        Share

Explanation: The "Act" stage of data analysis corresponds to the conclusion of a project that the corporation chooses to employ to address a wider business challenge. After analyzing data, companies may next make adjustments, suggestions, or other moves in the "Act" phase. Making decisions based on the analysis' findings and responding to business opportunities or threats is part of this process.

43. Data analysts use queries to analyze information within a database.

Answer

·        True

·        False

Explanation: Absolutely! Data analysts rely heavily on queries to do analysis and get data from databases. Data analysts may obtain insight into the information held in a database by using queries to describe the criteria for data extraction, apply filters, conduct calculations, and more. SQL (Structured Query Language) is a popular language for working with relational databases and constructing queries. Data analysts may execute a variety of activities, from simple data extraction to in-depth analysis, with its help.

44. What is the primary purpose of the destroy stage of the data life cycle?

Answer

·        To keep information safe by eliminating records of it

·        To validate the results of analysis.

·        To use functions for investigating the data.

·        To determine who is responsible for managing the data.

Explanation: The destroy phase of the data life cycle is like the last curtain call before data is permanently erased. Its major objective is to guarantee the safe and appropriate deletion of user data once it is no longer required. This helps keep personal information safe from prying eyes and ensures data security. When data has served its purpose, it should be deleted permanently. This is analogous to physically discarding sensitive papers.

45. In data analysis, a preset command is known as what?

Answer

·        A formula

·        A particular value

·        A function

·        A predefined statement

Explanation: Common terms for a predefined command in data analysis include "preset function" and "function." Data activities like computations, aggregations, and transformations may be carried out with the help of preset functions. They are like tools in a data analyst's toolbox, waiting to be employed to simplify and speed up steps in the analysis process.

46. Which of the following is an example of why a data analyst may generate a query?

Answer

·        Visualizing data

·        Requesting data

·        Collecting data

·        Recording data

47. Fill in the blank: A function is a preset command, whereas a formula is _____.

Answer

·        a set of instructions used to perform a specified calculation

·        a particular value

·        a computer programming language

·        a predefined statement

Explanation: A formula is an instruction created by the user. By expressing the processes and logic you want to apply to the data in a formula, you are effectively writing your own set of instructions for the computer to follow. It's as if you were giving the system a unique formula to follow in order to produce outcomes tailored to your needs.

48. Fill in the blank: Structured query language (SQL) enables data analysts to retrieve, update, and request information from a database. The tool they use to do this is called a _______.

Answer

·        dashboard

·        visualization

·        query

·        spreadsheet

Explanation: Information in a database may be retrieved, modified, and requested by data analysts using a structured query language (SQL). To do this, they use a program known as a "query editor" or "SQL editor." Using this editor, they may construct and run SQL queries on the database, allowing for dynamic data manipulation and analysis.

 

49. 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.

Answer

·        True

·        False

Explanation: Exactly! Data analysis is the act of systematically reviewing, cleaning, converting, and modeling data to uncover usable information, make conclusions, and help decision making; the data life cycle is concerned with the phases of data from production to disposal. Both are essential in the data science field, with their own roles to play in the processing of data and the discovery of insights.

50. A set of instructions used to perform a specified calculation is known as what?

Answer

·        A formula

·        A predefined statement

·        A function

·        A particular value

Explanation: A "formula" is a collection of instructions for carrying out a certain computation. Spreadsheets, programming languages, and data analysis tools all make use of "formulas" to specify the mathematical or logical operations that must be performed on data. In a computational sense, they are the secret sauce!