IPT Tools 2

Tools for Information Processes
Part 2

Analysing Data

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IPT Tools 2

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