The document discusses software tools used for analyzing data. It describes how hardware supports software analysis by providing storage, processing power, and specialized components depending on the task. Key software analysis methods covered include searching, sorting, modeling and simulation, creating "what if" scenarios, and generating charts and graphs. The document also notes that specialized software exists for analyzing non-numeric data like images, video and audio. It concludes by mentioning some social and ethical issues that can arise from extensive data analysis, such as loss of privacy and profiling.

1. Tools for Information Processes
Part 2
Analysing Data

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

13. End of Tools - Part 2