E3 - Using and Manipulating data Flashcards
What are the two data sources?
primary and secondary
What is a primary data source?
Original research, from the source, no third party (EG: interviews, questionnaires, sensors, measurements)
What are the advantages of a primary data source?
- Up to date and valid
- relevant: direct data gathering to find 1 precise data
- reliable
What is a secondary data source?
3rd party gathered data (EG: census data, textbooks, web info, official statistics
What are the advantages of a secondary data source?
- cheaper
- quicker
- isn’t subject to organisation’s bias
What is the criteria for a reliable data source?
Completeness - all data for investigation is included
Accuracy - consistent and can be repeated with the same results, data gathered matches the true value/source
Methods for a good survey - avoid using jargon (professional words), avoid language bias (leading questions), used closed answer questions (easy to analyse)
What are the 3 main data collection methods?
- Questionnaire
- Focus Groups
- Interview
What is a focus group?
group asked questions on a topic (product, service, ad…)
What are the positives and negatives of Focus Groups?
+ can build on eachothers answers = detailed answers
+ wider group than interview meaning it’s cost effective
+ can alter questions to fit ongoing conversations for more detail
- respondents can influence eachother’s answers
- qualitative data produce, hard to analyse
- organising a group for same time = difficult
What is a Questionnaire?
It consists of closed format questions for statistical / personal info from respondents
What are the positives and negatives of Questionnaires?
+ good for data from large groups in short time ( more data = more reliable)
+ everyone answers same questions = not bias & more consistent
+ can be done anonymously meaning more honey answers
- poorly worded questions = bias results
- no in-depth answers as questions are closed & follw-up questions can’t be asked
- poor response rates ( busy users )
What is an Interview?
It is a 1 on 1 conversation with another person & can ask follow up questions
What are the positives and negatives of Interviews?
+ good for detailed responses, provide more clarity & ensures questions are fully understood
+ more honesty as there is good personal contact
- more time consuming for data from more people
- qualitative data meaning its harder to analyse
Ensuring Data Accuracy
Reasons for Ensuring Data Accuracy:
- PCs have no common sense
( GIGO, run out of stock )
Methods for Ensuring Data Accuracy
Validation
-> ensures data is sensible, but no accurate
Date of Birth - dd/mm/yyyy, ensure data is in the past
Verification
-> ensure data entered matches original source of data
-> proofreading, double entry checking
Extracting & Sorting Data
- Queries, allow us to retrieve the data we want
2 key abilities of queries:
> Extracting - select precise fields of data (first name)
> Sorting - ascending/descening order
- Makes it easier to use data gathered
Numerical & Data Modelling
Numerical Modelling
- math calculations to analyse data & make future predictions ( weather, stock levels etc )
Data Modelling
- process to plan the structure of a database to ensure its stored in the most organised & efficient way
-> table with fields, each field has certaind ata type & properties ( next length )
-> = efficient storing, processing & extracting of data
Presenting Data & Results
Tabular :
- text presentation of data in a table meaning precise & detailed info for qualitative data
Graphical :
- data presented as chart/diagram = quickly interpret data (spotting trends)
Different Implications of User Interfaces for Data Collection ( 7 )
- Ease Of Use
- Accessibility
- Error Reduction
- Intuitiveness
- Functionality
- Performance
- Compatibility
Implications of User Interfaces for Data Collection (Ease Of Use)
- Easy interface = good labelling (input boxes), different input options for different types of data to simplify input (data pick, drop-down)
Implications of User Interfaces for Data Collection (Accessibility)
- clear & simple interface
- navigation can be performed with different inputs (mouse..)
- more contrast scheme so key elements can be identified
- don’t just use colours for visual uses
- support changing size of icons, text
Implications of User Interfaces for Data Collection (Error Reduction)
- poor labelling = confusion
- add validation, verification, input masks to indicate format data should be entered in ( postcode - LLN NLL)
- CLEAR warning messages
Implications of User Interfaces for Data Collection (Intuitiveness)
- use without training
- good labelling, clear navigation
- online should match paper forms that data is transferred from meaning its easier for inputter
Implications of User Interfaces for Data Collection (Functionality)
- performing certain queries & producing report
- results displayed in useful way
- if its difficult for user to perform functionality = less productivity
Implications of User Interfaces for Data Collection (Performance)
- data collection and processing is faster
- less steps to do tasks = less confusion and less errors
Implications of User Interfaces for Data Collection (Compatibility)
- compatible with other systems which means easily imported
- spreadsheet to data .;. export/import as a CSV file (generic)
