Analytical Aptitude

Question 1

Effective Focus Groups

Answer 1

Effective planning
Context
Strong Facilitator
Recorder or “note taker”

Question 2

Focus Group Tools

Answer 2

Mind Mapping or Affinity diagramming
Nominal Group Technique
Delphi Technique

Question 3

Nominal Group Technique (NGT)

Answer 3

The nominal group technique uses a variety of individuals associated with the industry to forecast ideas and assumptions. This technique requires that the individuals meet face-to-face.

Question 4

Common errors in creating reliable results

Answer 4

• A failure to maintain the same conditions or correct for differences.
• Cultural differences that create different interpretations of questions.
• Bias in using the tool to gather data.

Question 5

Bias in Statistical Analysis can show up in:

Answer 5

Sampling
Selection
Response
Performance
Measurement

Question 6

Validity of Data

Answer 6

Validity is the ability of an instrument to measure what it is intended
What does the instrument measure?
How well does the instrument measure it?

Question 7

Reliability of Data

Answer 7

reflects the ability of a data-gathering instrument or tool, such as a survey or a rater’s observation or a physical measurement, to provide results that are consistent.

Question 8

Data Cleansing/Data Wrangling

Answer 8

a process by which incomplete sets, anomalies, errors, and gaps in the data are identified and addressed.

Question 9

Weighed and Unweighted Mean

Answer 9

Unweighted- raw average, is the sum of all the values in the sample divided by the number of values.

Weighted- or weighted average, is used when some data in the dataset have more significance or effect than other data.

Question 10

Standard Deviation

Answer 10

represents the distance of any data point from the center of a distribution when data is distributed in a “normal” or expected pattern.
Low- closer to the Mean
High- Farther from the Mean

Question 11

Variance Analysis

Answer 11

identifies the degree of difference between planned and actual performance.

Question 12

Ratio Analysis

Answer 12

compares the relative size of two variables and yields a percentage. Net profit margin, for example, is a ratio that compares net revenue with costs.

Question 13

Trend Analysis

Answer 13

examines data from different points in time to determine if a variance is an isolated event or if it is part of a longer trend.

Question 14

Regression Analysis

Answer 14

refers to a statistical method used to determine whether a relationship exists between variables and the strength of the relationship.

Question 15

Root cause analysis

Answer 15

starts with a result and then works backward. Each cause is queried to identify a preceding cause—conditions or actions that might have led to this effect.
“five whys method,”

Question 16

Histogram (Bar chart)

Answer 16

Graphically depicts the sorting of data into groups arranged in the shape of a statistical distribution, showing a central tendency and dispersion around that tendency.

To sort data and to support rapid comparison of categories of data.

Question 17

Trend Diagram

Answer 17

Plots data points on two axes. The horizontal axis usually represents time, while the vertical axis represents volume.

Can be used to test for presence of cycles or developing trends.

Question 18

Pareto Chart

Answer 18

Applies the Pareto principle (that 80% of effects come from 20% of causes) in the form of a histogram.

Distinguishes between the “vital few” categories that contribute most of the issues and the “trivial many” categories of infrequent occurrence to support more-focused quality improvement activities.

Question 19

Scatter Diagram

Answer 19

Plots data points against two variables that form the chart’s x and y axes. Each axis is scaled. The pattern formed by the plotted data describes the correlation between the two variables

Can be used to test possible causal relationships and narrow focus on subsequent tests.