Introduction to Data Analysis
Data Analysis & Machine Learning
What is Data Analysis?
• Process of inspecting, cleaning, and modeling data.
• Goal: Discover useful information, suggest conclusions, and support decision-
making.
Importance of Data in Decision
Making
• Reduces guesswork and uncertainty.
• Improves efficiency and effectiveness.
• Helps in identifying trends and patterns.
Types of Data (Structured,
Unstructured, Semi-structured)
• Structured: Organized in rows/columns (e.g., Excel, SQL databases).
• Unstructured: Images, videos, text data (social media posts, emails).
• Semi-structured: JSON, XML.
Steps in Data Analysis (Collect →
Clean → Analyze → Visualize →
Interpret)
• Collect: Gather relevant data from sources.
• Clean: Handle missing, inconsistent, or duplicate data.
• Analyze: Apply statistical/ML methods.
• Visualize: Use graphs/charts to show insights.
• Interpret: Derive conclusions and recommendations.
Descriptive vs Inferential Analysis
• Descriptive: Summarizes data (mean, median, variance).
• Inferential: Makes predictions or inferences using sample data.
Tools for Data Analysis (Excel, SQL,
Python, R, Tableau, Power BI)
• Excel: Easy calculations and visualization.
• SQL: Data querying.
• Python/R: Advanced analytics, ML.
• Tableau/Power BI: Business Intelligence dashboards.
Case Study Example
• Retail company uses data analysis to identify peak sales months.
• Helps in stock management and promotions.
Summary
• Data analysis is a critical skill for data-driven decision-making.
• Combines statistical, analytical, and visualization techniques.
