1. Structured thinking involves which of the following processes? Select all that apply.
- Recognizing the current problem or situation
- Organizing available information
- Revealing gaps and opportunities
- Asking SMART questions
2. While creating data visualizations for a slideshow, a data analyst considers, “What would help a stakeholder understand this data better?” The analyst is in the analyze step of the data analysis process.
- True
- False
Explanation: Absolutely! Participating in the analysis process entails delving into the data and gaining insightful conclusions. An important component of this stage is to think about how the data may be presented graphically in order to make it easier for stakeholders to grasp. When it comes to reaching the aim of translating raw data into meaningful insights that can be readily understood by stakeholders, data visualizations play a significant part in attaining that goal.
3. If a cooking supply store wants to attract more customers, where can they advertise to better reach their target audience? Select all that apply.
- At a bus stop near a local culinary school
- In a magazine all about advertising
- On a podcast for foodies
- On TV during the season finale of The Best Chef in the Universe
4. A data analyst is working for a local power company. Recently, many new apartments have been built in the community, so the company wants to determine how much electricity it needs to produce for the new residents in the future. A data analyst uses data to help the company make a more informed forecast. This is an example of which problem type?
- Identifying themes
- Spotting something unusual
- Discovering connections
- Making predictions
5. Categorizing things involves assigning items to categories. Identifying themes takes those categories a step further, grouping them into broader themes or classifications.
- True
- False
Explanation: Absolutely! In the process of categorizing, goods are assigned to various categories based on the traits or features that they have in common with other belongings. The process of identifying themes begins with the categorization of things, which is followed by the subsequent step of grouping those categories into more general classifications or themes. Within the first categories, it is a method of arranging and abstracting patterns or similarities that have been identified. By going through this procedure, one might get a better grasp of broad themes or patterns that might not be readily obvious when looking at particular categories.
6. Which of the following examples are closed-ended questions? Select all that apply.
- How old are you?
- What are your thoughts about math?
- What grade did you get on the math test?
- Is math your favorite subject?
7. The question, “Why don’t our employees complete their timesheets each Friday by noon?” is not action-oriented. Which of the following questions are action-oriented and more likely to lead to change? Select all that apply.
- How could we simplify the time-keeping process for our employees?
- What features could we add to our calendar app as a weekly timesheet reminder to employees?
- Why don’t employees prioritize filling out their timesheets by noon on Fridays?
- What functionalities would make our timesheet web page more user-friendly?
8. Which of the following questions make assumptions? Select all that apply.
- Wouldn’t you agree that product A is better than product B?
- It must be frustrating waiting on hold for so long, right?
- Did you get through to customer service?
- Keeping employees engaged is important, isn’t it?
9. A data analyst creates data visualizations and a slideshow. Which phase of the data analysis process does this describe?
- Share
- Process
- Act
- Prepare
10. A garden center wants to attract more customers. A data analyst in the marketing department suggests advertising in popular landscaping magazines. This is an example of what practice?
- Collecting customer information
- Developing a data analytics case study
- Monitoring social media feedback
- Reaching your target audience
Explanation: Another example of using external media for marketing goals is the one shown here. To be more specific, it is classified as "print advertising" due to the fact that it entails putting advertisements in gardening periodicals. This is a tried-and-true method, but its degree of success is contingent on the demographics of the audience being targeted.
10. Making predictions is one of the six data analytics problem types. It deals with using data to inform decisions about how things may be in the future. Select the scenario that’s an example of making predictions.
- A data analyst at a gas company uses historical data to analyze which time of year customers use the most gas.
- A data analyst at a school system uses data to make a connection between home sales and new student enrollment.
- A data analyst at a shoe retailer uses data to inform the marketing plan for an upcoming summer sale.
- A data analyst at a technology company uses data to identify a unique drop in social media engagement.
11. Which of the following examples are vague questions? Select all that apply.
- How much time did you spend waiting in line?
- Who was the greatest of all time?
- Do you generally prefer hot or cold?
- What’s the best place to purchase the things we need?
12. The question, “Why was the Monday afternoon yoga class successful?” is not measurable. Which of the following questions presents a measurable way to learn about the yoga class?
- Is yoga a great way to stretch and strengthen your body?
- How many customers responded to our half-price yoga promotion?
- Why do people like taking yoga classes on Mondays?
- Do yoga instructors seem more energetic at the beginning of the week?
Explanation: Okay, let's concentrate on making it quantifiable, shall we? Would you mind requesting "What was the attendance rate of the Monday afternoon yoga class over the past three months?" By doing so, you will be able to measure the success based on the number of people that attended.
13. On a customer service questionnaire, a data analyst asks, “If you could contact our customer service department via chat, how much valuable time would that save you?” Why is this question unfair?
- It makes assumptions
- It is closed-ended
- It uses slang words that not everyone can understand
- It is vague
Explanation: This inquiry might be seen as unfair since it presumes that conversing with customer support representatives over chat will result in time savings for all parties involved. There is a possibility that it is prejudiced since it does not take into account the preferences of individuals or circumstances in which alternative means of communication could be more appropriate or desired by consumers. It is usually a good idea to provide clients with a variety of alternatives and to allow them to voice their preferences rather than making the assumption that one option is superior to all others.
14. Structured thinking involves recognizing the current problem or situation you’re facing and identifying your options.
- True
- False
Explanation: Unquestionably! The process of breaking down difficult situations into component components that are more manageable, gaining a grasp of the existing circumstance, and then methodically discovering and analyzing potential solutions is what structured thinking looks like. Creating a road plan for your ideas to follow in order to navigate through the complexities of a situation is similar to doing so.
15. The share phase of the data analysis process typically involves which of the following activities? Select all that apply.
- Putting analysis into action to solve a problem
- Creating a slideshow to present to stakeholders
- Summarizing results using data visualizations
- Communicating findings
16. Fill in the blank: Categorizing things involves assigning items to categories, whereas _____ takes those categories a step further, grouping them into broader classifications.
- Finding patterns
- Making predictions
- Discovering connections
- Identifying themes
Explanation: When you want to organize things in a hierarchy, you need to take those categories one step further and arrange them into more general groupings. It's similar to putting together a tree of knowledge that is well-organized and structured.
17. The question, “How could we improve our website to simplify the returns process for our online customers?” is action-oriented.
- True
- False
Explanation: Not a doubt, it is! It is a proactive inquiry that invites consideration of specific procedures or measures to improve the experience of the online consumer, especially in the context of the process of returning items. For the purpose of fostering constructive thinking and problem-solving, this is an excellent method.
18. A company wants to make more informed decisions regarding next year’s business strategy. An analyst uses data to help identify how things will likely work out in the future. This is an example of which problem type?
- Discovering connections
- Making predictions
- Spotting something unusual
- Identifying themes
Explanation: This is an example of what may be referred to as "making predictions." It is essential for the analyst to make use of data in order to predict and anticipate future results, which is essential for determining the business plan that the organization will implement for the next year. The pinnacle of predictive analytic performance!
19. Describe the key difference between the problem types of categorizing things and identifying themes.
- Categorizing things involves determining how items are different from each other. Identifying themes brings different items back together in a single group.
- Categorizing things involves taking inventory of items. Identifying themes deals with creating labels for items.
- Categorizing things involves assigning items to categories. Identifying themes takes those categories a step further, grouping them into broader themes.
- Categorizing things involves assigning grades to items. Identifying themes involves creating new classifications for items.
Explanation: When objects are categorized, they are grouped together according to similar traits or criteria, which results in the creation of distinct and independent classes. On the other hand, spotting repeating patterns, trends, or ideas that may span across several categories is what is meant by the term "identifying themes." At the same time as categorization is more concerned with establishing distinct borders, identifying themes is more concerned with discovering common threads that link various parts.
20. Which of the following examples are closed-ended questions? Select all that apply.
- What are your thoughts about math?
- How old are you?
- Is math your favorite subject?
- What grade did you get on the math test?
21. Questions that make assumptions often involve concepts that are formed without evidence. An example of this is an idea that is accepted as true without proof.
- True
- False
Explanation: Absolutely! In the case of inquiries that make assumptions, they are often founded on concepts that are generally acknowledged as true without any tangible evidence or proof. It is the equivalent of constructing a conclusion on unstable ground. Being aware of these assumptions and doing an in-depth analysis of them is very necessary in order to guarantee the dependability of the information or conclusions that have been made.
22. A recycling center that sponsors a podcast about saving the environment is an example of what strategy?
- Staying on budget
- Trying to reach a target audience
- Making recommendations
- Defining the problem to be solved
Explanation: These are examples of what is known as "cause-related marketing." The recycling center is demonstrating its commitment to a cause (the preservation of the environment) by sponsoring a podcast. This podcast not only raises awareness about the need of protecting the environment, but it also promotes good environmental values and associations with the recycling center. This is a strategic decision that is beneficial to the firm as well as the cause that it actively supports.