Effective Questions INTRODUCTION

Optional: familiar with data analytics? – take our diagnostic quiz

1. Optional speed track for those experienced in data analytics

Categorizing things is one of the six problem types data analysts solve. This type of problem might involve which of the following actions?

2. Finding patterns is one of the six problem types data analysts aim to solve. This type of problem might involve which of the following?

3. In the SMART methodology, questions that encourage change are described how?

4. Fill in the blank: In data analytics, qualitative data _____. Select all that apply.

5. In data analytics, how are dashboards different from reports?

6. Small data differs from big data in what ways? Select all that apply.

7. Fill in the blank: Some of the most common symbols used in formulas include + (addition), – (subtraction), * (multiplication), and / (division). These are called _____.

8. In the function =SUM(G1:G35), identify the range.

9. To address a vague, complex problem, a data analyst breaks it down into smaller steps. They use a process to help them recognize the current problem or situation, organize available information, reveal gaps and opportunities, and identify options. What does this scenario describe?

10. Asking questions including, “Does my analysis answer the original question?” and “Are there other angles I haven’t considered?” enable data analysts to accomplish what tasks? Select all that apply.

Test your knowledge on taking action with data

1. A data analytics team works to recognize the current problem. Then, they organize available information to reveal gaps and opportunities. Finally, they identify the available options. These steps are part of what process?

2. In which step of the data analysis process would an analyst ask questions such as, “What data errors might get in the way of my analysis?” or “How can I clean my data so the information I have is consistent?”

3. A data analyst has entered the Analyze step of the data analysis process. Identify the questions they might ask during this phase. Select all that apply.

4. A data analyst is trying to understand what data to use to help solve a business problem. They’re asking questions such as, “What internal data is available in the database?” and “What outside facts do I need to research?” The data analyst is in which phase of the data analysis process?

Test your knowledge on solving problems with data

1. A data analyst identifies and classifies keywords from customer reviews to improve customer satisfaction. This is an example of which problem type?

2. The spotting something unusual problem type could involve which of the following scenarios?

3. A data analyst at an online retailer works with historical sales data. The analyst identifies repeating trends in the sales data. This is an example of which problem type?

Test your knowledge on crafting effective questions

1. A data analyst uses the SMART methodology to create a question that encourages change. This type of question can be described how?

2. A time-bound SMART question specifies which of the following parameters?

3. A data analyst working for a mid-sized retailer is writing questions for a customer experience survey. One of the questions is: “Do you prefer online or in-store?” Then, they rewrite it to say: “Do you prefer shopping at our online marketplace or shopping at your local store?” Describe why this is a more effective question.

4. A data analyst at a social media company is creating questions for a focus group. They use common abbreviations such as PLS for “please” and LMK for “let me know.” This is fair because the participants use social media a lot and are likely to be technically savvy.

GOOGLE DATA ANALYTICS COURSERA ANSWERS AND STUDY GUIDE

Weekly Breakdown | Google Study Guides | Back to Top

Ask Questions to Make Data-Driven Decisions Weekly Challenge 1

1. Structured thinking involves which of the following processes? Select all that apply.

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.

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.

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?

5. Categorizing things involves assigning items to categories. Identifying themes takes those categories a step further, grouping them into broader themes or classifications.

6. Which of the following examples are closed-ended questions? Select all that apply.

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.

8. Which of the following questions make assumptions? Select all that apply.

9. A data analyst creates data visualizations and a slideshow. Which phase of the data analysis process does this describe?

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?

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. 

11. Which of the following examples are vague questions? Select all that apply.

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?

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?

14. Structured thinking involves recognizing the current problem or situation you’re facing and identifying your options.

15.  The share phase of the data analysis process typically involves which of the following activities? Select all that apply.

16.  Fill in the blank: Categorizing things involves assigning items to categories, whereas _____ takes those categories a step further, grouping them into broader classifications. 

17.  The question, “How could we improve our website to simplify the returns process for our online customers?” is action-oriented.

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?

19. Describe the key difference between the problem types of categorizing things and identifying themes.

20. Which of the following examples are closed-ended questions? Select all that apply.

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.

22.  A recycling center that sponsors a podcast about saving the environment is an example of what strategy?

23. Fill in the blank: When solving the _____ problem type, a data analytics team at a health care provider analyzes patient data from the past five years. They then use this information to understand what led to certain symptoms and what is likely to cause them again.

24. Which of the following statements correctly describe the SMART methodology? Select all that apply.

25. A software company wants to develop new applications that customers will enjoy. They use an algorithm to monitor current trends and gain business intelligence about customer buying patterns. Which data problem type does this scenario describe?

26. For what reasons would it be unfair for a human resources manager to ask employees, “Why do you love working for our company?” Select all that apply.

27. Fill in the blank: When solving the _____ problem type, a data analytics team notices a surprising shift in global economic conditions.

28. A data analytics team sorts customer data by interests. Then, they group that information into broader concepts, such as customers who are interested in travel and customers who are interested in cooking. Which data problem type does this scenario describe?

29. Which of the following questions are open-ended? Select all that apply.

30. A technology company faces escalating prices for a key part of one of its software applications. Data professionals at the firm discover that many other tech companies are experiencing the same issue. They reach out to the other affected businesses to share data and brainstorm solutions to their parallel challenges. What data problem type are they solving?

31. Fill in the blank: The question, “How can we create a more innovative culture by empowering our employees to take risks?” is _____ because it encourages change.

32. A junior data professional working for an online retailer is asked to determine which ads are most successful with shoppers. They review click-throughs compared to the type of ads presented, then group the ads accordingly. Which data problem type does this scenario describe?

33. Which of the following statements correctly describe the SMART methodology? Select all that apply.

34. A restaurant group is choosing the locations of new restaurant openings. They use an algorithm to monitor current trends and develop business intelligence about where people most frequently dine out. Which data problem type does this scenario describe?

35. Fill in the blank: When solving the _____ problem type, a data analyst discovers an established competitor suddenly changing its marketing strategy.

36. Fill in the blank: The question, “Which processes can we streamline by using technology more effectively?” is _____ because it encourages change.

37. A data analyst working for a health care provider is asked to determine which clinics are most efficient and which are least efficient. They review performance data, then group the clinics accordingly. Which data problem type does this scenario describe?

38. Fill in the blank: When solving the _____ problem type, a junior data analyst at a home goods retailer provider analyzes sales data from the past three years. They then use this information to understand what led to slumps in customer demand and what is likely to cause them again.

39. A junior data analyst sorts sales data by product category. Then, they group that information into broader concepts, such as customer demographic and geographic region. Which data problem type does this scenario describe?

40. Fill in the blank: The question, “Which aspects of our packaging can be updated in order to make our product more customer-centric?” is _____ because it encourages change.

41. A transportation and logistics provider aims to devise new delivery routes. They use an algorithm to monitor current traffic patterns and develop business intelligence about the busiest roads and intersections. Which data problem type does this scenario describe?

42. Fill in the blank: When solving the _____ problem type, a data professional team at a bank analyzes financial market data from the past six months. They then use this information to understand what led to certain fluctuations and what is likely to cause them again.

EFFECTIVE QUESTIONS CONCLUSION