Overview
Earlier you learned about how data analysts at one organization used data to
improve employee retention. Now, you’ll complete an entry in your learning log to
track your thinking and reflections about those data analysts' process and how they
approached this problem. By the time you complete this activity, you will have a
stronger understanding of how the six phases of the data analysis process can be
used to break down tasks and tackle big questions. This will help you apply these
steps to future analysis tasks and start tackling big questions yourself.
Review the six phases of data analysis
Before you write your entry in your learning log, reflect on
the case study
from earlier. The data analysts wanted to use data to improve employee retention.
In order to do that, they had to break this larger project into manageable tasks.
The analysts organized those tasks and activities around the six phases of the data
analysis process:
Ask
Prepare
Process
Analyze
Share
Act
The analysts asked questions to define both the issue to be solved and what would
equal a successful result.
Next, they prepared by building a timeline and collecting data with employee
surveys that were designed to be inclusive.
They processed the data by cleaning it to make sure it was complete, correct,
relevant, and free of errors and outliers.
They analyzed the clean employee survey data. Then the analysts shared their
findings and recommendations with team leaders. Afterward, leadership acted on the
results and focused on improving key areas.
Access your learning log
To use the template for this course item, click the link below and select “Use
Template.”
Link to learning log template:
Consider how data analysts approach tasks
OR
If you don’t have a Google account, you can download the template directly from the
attachment below.
Reflection
In your learning log template, write 2-3 sentences (40-60 words) reflecting on what
you’ve learned from the case study by answering each of the questions below:
Did the details of the case study help to change the way you think about data
analysis? Why or why not?
Did you find anything surprising about the way the data analysts approached their
task?
What else would you like to learn about data analysis?
When you’ve finished your entry in the learning log template, make sure to save the
document so your response is somewhere accessible. This will help you continue
applying data analysis to your everyday life. You will also be able to track your
progress and growth as a data analyst.
