2. What is Analysis?
These are the processes that turn
data into information
Powers gives a slightly more
meaningful definition as
“…examining the data and giving it
meaning”
In any event, the focus in analysis is
on the software processes that are
used to give us information
3. Hardware
The role of hardware in analysis is to
support the software that will carry out
the processes to give us the information
The optimum hardware configuration for
analysis includes:
• A lot of primary (RAM) and secondary storage
(hard disk)
• A fast processor
Many types of analysis involve the rapid
processing of a large amount of data
4. Hardware
Of course, other hardware can be varied
to suit the type of analysis required
e.g. A flight simulator is used to analyse the
reactions of trainee pilots in various situations
• It requires lots of storage and a fast processor.
• It also requires specialist “mock” cockpits,
hydraulic jacks and special display screens.
5. Software
Analysis is performed by software
using the following methods:
• Searching
• Sorting
• Modelling & simulation
• “What if” scenarios
• Charts and graphs
All of the above should be modelled
by the teacher in the classroom
6. Software – Searching
Searching for data can be performed using a
word processor, spreadsheet, database, the web,
probably others
Database searching is very important as it is used
later in a Year 12 topic
Students need a thorough grounding in Query By
Example (QBE). I use a data projector to model
the process to students
They also need practice in developing their own
queries
Chapter 6 of Powers’ book has some excellent
examples
Students also need to efficiently learn how to
search for information on the web
7. Software – Sorting
By sorting data we can obtain a lot of
useful information
E.g. first place, highest paid, lowest age
Data can be sorted using a variety of
applications, even a word processor
8. Software – Modelling and
Simulation
Model – a representation of some
real world phenomenon
This can be in the form of a
mathematical equation, statistical
model even a physical model
Modelling – the process of creating a
model
9. Software – Modelling and
Simulation
Simulation – the process of using a model
to make predictions
Many mathematical and statistical models
can be created using a spreadsheet
We carry out a simulation, by varying
parameters in the spreadsheet and
observing the resultant effects
We call these simulations – “What if”
experiments
See the sample spreadsheet model
available for downloading
10. Software – Charts and graphs
These are used to quickly identify
patterns and trends in data
Any kind of spreadsheet can be used
to create a chart
Most of the above analysis methods
are applied to numeric data but also
to text data
11. Software – Others
Can we analyse other kinds of data, such as
video, audio and images?
There are other software products that are used
for this type of data
E.g.1. Software to analyse finger print data
E.g.2. A local manufacturing company has
software that analyses image files attached to e-
mails, looking for skin tones. It assumes that the
image file is pornographic and logs the users
involved in its circulation
This kind of software is quite expensive and not
likely to be found in a school setting
The web can be used as a resource for students
to find out information on software tools that
analyse this data
12. Analysis – Social & Ethical Issues
There are a lot of issues for students to
consider
E.g. unauthorised analysis, erroneous
analysis
Probably the most significant issue is the
erosion of privacy as a result of analysing
linked databases
As well, this kind of analysis enables
companies to build a “profile” of people
Marketing agencies are able to use this
information to refine and target
advertising