Data life cycle which phase involves gathering data

Course 1 – Foundations: Data, Data, Everywhere Quiz Answers

Week 3: The Wonderful World of Data

GOOGLE DATA ANALYTICS PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION

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THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF DATA INTRODUCTION

The wonderful world of data has ushered in a new era of understanding, as well as offering us pathways to explore the universe around us. The field of Data Analytics is an exciting one that can provide invaluable insights into our day-to-day lives.

Through Coursera’s Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate, you will gain valuable knowledge and skills related to the data life cycle, and how it relates to a successful data analyst career. You will be introduced to applications used in the data analysis process such as SQL, Tableau, Python, and more so you can confidently approach your work with these tools. The course also covers topics such as data mining and database management, which are essential for success as a professional analyst.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify key software applications critical to the work of a data analyst including spreadsheets, databases, query languages, and visualization tools
  • Identify relationships between the data analysis process and the courses in the Google Data Analytics Certificate
  • Explain the data analysis process, making specific reference to the ask, prepare, process, analyze, share, and act phases
  • Discuss the use of data in everyday life decisions
  • Discuss the role of spreadsheets, query languages, and data visualization tools in data analytics
  • Discuss the phases of the data life cycle

Test your knowledge on the data life cycle

1. Fill in the blank: During the _____ phase of the data life cycle, a business decides what kind of data it needs, how it will be managed, who will be responsible for it, and the optimal outcomes.

  • Manage
  • Archive
  • Capture
  • Planning (Correct)

Correct: During the planning phase of the data life cycle, a business decides what kind of data it needs, how it will be managed, who will be responsible for it, and the optimal outcomes.

2. In the data life cycle which phase involves gathering data from various sources and bringing it into the organization?

  • Capture (Correct)
  • Manage
  • Archive
  • Analyze

Correct: The capture phase involves gathering data from various sources and bringing it into the organization.

3. A data analyst finishes using a dataset, so they erase or shred the files in order to protect private information. This is called archiving.

  • True
  • False (Correct)

Correct: Erasing or shredding files describes the destroy phase of the data life cycle. Archiving involves storing files in a place where it’s still available.

4. A dairy farmer decides to open an ice cream shop on her farm. After surveying the local community about people’s favorite flavors, she takes the data they provided and stores it in a secure hard drive so it can be maintained safely on her computer. This is part of which phase of the data life cycle?

  • Analyze
  • Manage (Correct)
  • Archive
  • Plan

Correct: This is the Manage phase of the data life cycle. It deals with how data is cared for, how and where it’s stored, the tools used to keep it safe and secure, and the actions taken to make sure it’s maintained properly.

5. After opening the ice cream shop on her farm, the same dairy farmer then surveys the local community about people’s favorite flavors. She uses the data she collected to determine that the top five flavors are strawberry, vanilla, chocolate, mint chip, and peanut butter. She feels confident in her decision to sell these flavors. This is part of which phase of the data life cycle?

  • Capture
  • Analyze (Correct)
  • Archive
  • Plan

Correct: This is part of the Analyze phase. This phase involves using data to make smart decisions and support business goals.

Test your knowledge on the data analysis process

1. The data analysis process phases are Ask, Prepare, Process, Analyze, Share, and Act. What do data analysts do during the Ask phase?

  • Define the problem to be solved. (Correct)
  • Collect and store data.
  • Create data visualizations
  • Clean the data

Correct: During the Ask phase, data analysts define the problem by looking at the current state and identifying how it’s different from the ideal state.

2. During the process phase of data analysis, a data analyst cleans data to ensure it’s complete and correct.

  • True (Correct)
  • False

Correct: The process phase is all about getting the details right, so data analysts clean data by fixing typos, inconsistencies, and missing or inaccurate data.

3. During which phase of data analysis would a data analyst use spreadsheets or query languages to transform data in order to draw conclusions?

  • Process
  • Prepare
  • Analyze (Correct)
  • Act

Correct: The Analyze phase involves using data analytics tools such as spreadsheets and query languages to transform data in order to draw conclusions and make informed decisions.

4. In which data analysis phase would a data analyst use visuals such as charts or graphs to simplify complex data for better understanding?

  • Share (Correct)
  • Act
  • Process
  • Prepare

Correct: The Share phase involves how results are interpreted and shared with others, often through data visualization.

5. A data analyst shares insights from their analysis during a formal presentation to stakeholders. In a slideshow, they make a data-driven recommendation for how to solve a business problem. What phase of the data analysis process would come next?

  • Prepare
  • Ask
  • Act (Correct)
  • Process

Correct: In this scenario, the data analyst has just shared insights. So, the next phase would be to act and put those insights to work in order to solve the business problem.

Test your knowledge on data analysis toolbox

1. Based on what you have learned in this course, spreadsheets are digital worksheets that enable data analysts to do which of the following tasks? Select all that apply.

  • Choose a topic for data analysis
  • Organize data in columns and rows (Correct)
  • Sort and filter data (Correct)
  • Store data (Correct)

Correct: Spreadsheets enable data analysts to store, organize, sort, and filter data. This helps them see patterns, group information, and easily find the information they need.

2. Fill in the blank: A set of instructions that performs a specific calculation using spreadsheet data is called _____.

  • An operation
  • A report
  • A program
  • A formula (Correct)

Correct: A set of instructions that performs a specific calculation using spreadsheet data is called a formula.

3. A database is a collection of data stored in a computer system.

  • True (Correct)
  • False

Correct: A database is a collection of data stored in a computer system.

4. In data analytics, SQL is an acronym meaning _____ query language.

  • syntax
  • statistical
  • software
  • structured (Correct)

Correct: SQL stands for structured query language. It enables data analysts to communicate with a database.

5. What is the term for the graphical representation of data?

  • Data summary
  • Data visualization (Correct)
  • Data language
  • Data collection

Correct: Data visualization is the graphical representation of data.

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Foundations: Data, Data, Everywhere Weekly Challenge 3

1. Fill in the blank: A business decides what kind of data it needs, how the data will be managed, and who will be responsible for it during the _____ stage of the data life cycle.

  • manage
  • analyze
  • capture
  • plan (Correct)

Correct: A business decides what kind of data it needs, how the data will be managed, and who will be responsible for it during the Plan stage of the data life cycle.

2. The destroy stage of the data life cycle might involve which of the following actions? Select all that apply.

  • Uploading data to the cloud
  • Shredding paper files (Correct)
  • Storing data for future use
  • Using data-erasure software (Correct)

Correct: The destroy stage of the data life cycle might involve shredding paper files or using data-erasure software.

3. During the capture stage of the data life cycle, a data analyst may use spreadsheets to aggregate data.

  • True
  • False (Correct)

Correct: Using spreadsheets to aggregate data would happen during the Analyze stage.

4. Fill in the blank: The data life cycle has six stages, whereas data analysis has six _____.

  • key questions
  • process steps (Correct)
  • data types
  • data analytics tools

Correct: Although both the data life cycle and the data analysis process have six elements, the life cycle involves stages and analysis involves process steps.

5. What actions might a data analytics team take in the Act phase of the data analysis process? Select all that apply.

  • Putting a plan into action to help solve the business problem (Correct)
  • Sharing analysis results using data visualizations
  • Finalizing a strategy based on the analysis (Correct)
  • Validating insights provided by analysts (Correct)

Correct: During the Act phase, a data analytics team might validate insights, finalize a strategy, and put a plan into action.

6. Fill in the blank: A formula is a set of instructions used to perform a specified calculation; whereas a function is _____.

  • a computer programming language
  • a particular value
  • a question written by the user
  • a predefined operation (Correct)

Correct: A formula is a set of instructions used to perform a specified calculation; a function is a preset command that automatically performs a specified process.

7. Fill in the blank: To request, retrieve, and update information in a database, data analysts use a ____.

  • dashboard
  • query (Correct)
  • calculation
  • formula

Correct: A query enables data analysts to request, retrieve, and update information from a database.

8. Fill in the blank: Structured query language (SQL) enables data analysts to _____ the information in a database. Select all that apply.

  • Visualize
  • Request (Correct)
  • Retrieve (Correct)
  • Update (Correct)

Correct: A query enables data analysts to request, retrieve, and update information from a database.

9. The manage stage of the data life cycle is when a business decides what kind of data it needs, how the data will be handled, and who will be responsible for it.

  • True
  • False (CORRECT)

Correct: During planning, a business decides what kind of data it needs, how it will be managed throughout its life cycle, who will be responsible for it, and the optimal outcomes.

10. A data analyst uses a spreadsheet function to aggregate data. Then, they add a pivot table to show totals from least to greatest. This would happen during which stage of the data life cycle?

  • Capture
  • Manage
  • Plan
  • Analyze (CORRECT)

Correct: The analyze stage is when data is used to make good decisions, and a spreadsheet is a very useful tool for supporting that objective.

11. The data life cycle deals with the stages that data goes through; data analysis involves following a process to analyze data.

  • True (CORRECT)
  • False

Correct: The data life cycle deals with the stages that data goes through during its useful life; data analysis involves following a process to analyze data.

12. A company takes insights provided by its data analytics team, validates them, and finalizes a strategy. They then implement a plan to solve the original business problem. This describes which step of the data analysis process?

  • Process
  • Share
  • Analyze
  • Act (CORRECT)

Correct: The act phase is when insights are put into action.

13. What is the main difference between a formula and a function?

  • A formula is used to add or subtract; a function is used to multiply or divide.
  • A formula begins with an equal sign (=); a function begins with an asterisk (*).
  • A formula can be used multiple times in a spreadsheet; a function can only be used once.
  • A formula is a set of instructions used to perform a specified calculation; a function is a preset command that automatically performs a specified process. (CORRECT)

Correct: A formula is a set of instructions used to perform a specified calculation; a function is a preset command that automatically performs a specified process.

14. Structured query language (SQL) enables data analysts to communicate with a database.

  • True (CORRECT)
  • False

Correct: SQL allows a data analyst to communicate with a database in order to retrieve and manipulate data.

15. In the analyze stage of the data life cycle, what might a data analyst do? Select all that apply.

  • Choose the format of spreadsheet headings
  • Use spreadsheets to aggregate data (CORRECT)
  • Use a formula to perform calculations (CORRECT)
  • Create a report from the data (CORRECT)

Correct: In the analyze stage of the data life cycle, a data analyst might use formulas to perform calculations, create a report from the data, or use spreadsheets to aggregate data.

16. Describe how the data life cycle differs from data analysis

  • The data life cycle deals with identifying the best data to solve a problem; data analysis is about asking effective questions.
  • The data life cycle deals with transforming and verifying data; data analysis is using the insights gained from the data.
  • The data life cycle deals with making informed decisions; data analysis is using tools to transform data.
  • The data life cycle deals with the stages that data goes through during its useful life; data analysis is the process of analyzing data. (CORRECT)

Correct: The data life cycle involves stages for identifying needs and managing data. Data analysis involves process steps to make meaning from data.

17. Fill in the blank: A function is a predefined operation, whereas a formula is _____.

  • a computer programming language
  • a predefined statement
  • a particular value
  • a set of instructions used to perform a specified calculation (CORRECT)

Correct: A function is a predefined operation, whereas a formula is a set of instructions used to perform a specified calculation.

18. Fill in the blank: A query is used to _____ information from a database. Select all that apply.

  • visualize
  • update (CORRECT)
  • retrieve (CORRECT)
  • request (CORRECT)

Correct: A query enables data analysts to request, retrieve, and update information from a database.

19. In which stage of the data life cycle does a business decide what kind of data it needs, how the data will be managed, and who will be responsible for it?

  • Manage
  • Analyze
  • Plan (CORRECT)
  • Capture

Correct: During planning, a business decides what kind of data it needs, how it will be managed throughout its life cycle, who will be responsible for it, and the optimal outcomes.

20. A data analyst is working at a small tech startup. They’ve just completed an analysis project, which involved private company information about a new product launch. In order to keep the information safe, the analyst uses secure data-erasure software for the digital files and a shredder for the paper files. Which stage of the data life cycle does this describe?

  • Archive
  • Manage
  • Destroy (CORRECT)
  • Plan

Correct: This describes the destroy phase, during which data analysts use secure data-erasure software and shred paper files to protect private information.

21. A company takes insights provided by its data analytics team, validates them, and finalizes a strategy. They then implement a plan to solve the original business problem. This describes the share step of the data analysis process.

  • True
  • False (CORRECT)

Correct: This describes the act phase, when insights are put into action. This involves a company or organization implementing a plan to solve the original business problem.

22. A data analyst wants to retrieve information from a database. Select the correct tool from the data analyst’s toolkit.

  • Dashboard
  • Query (CORRECT)
  • Visualization
  • Spreadsheet

Correct: A query enables data analysts to request, retrieve, and update information from a database.

23. Data analysts use queries to request, retrieve, and update information within a database.

  • True (CORRECT)
  • False

Correct: Data analysts use queries to request, retrieve, and update information within a database.

24. You are in the plan stage of the data lifecycle for your current project. What action might you take during this stage?

  • Use a formula to perform calculations.
  • Shred paper files.
  • Validate insights provided by analysts.
  • Decide what kind of data is needed. (CORRECT)

Correct!

25. What is the primary purpose of the destroy stage of the data life cycle?

  • To determine who is responsible for managing the data.
  • To validate the results of analysis.
  • To use functions for investigating the data.
  • To keep information safe by eliminating records of it (CORRECT)

Correct!

26. A data analyst is working at a small tech startup. On their current project they are in the analyze stage of the data life cycle. What might they do in this stage?

  • Choose the format of their spreadsheet headings
  • Validate the insights provided by analysts
  • Use a formula to perform calculations (CORRECT)
  • Determine who is responsible for managing the data

Correct!

27. A business analyst recently completed a project that their company has decided to use to solve a larger business problem. What step is this in the data analysis process?

  • Process
  • Share
  • Analyze
  • Act (CORRECT)

Correct!

28. Data analysts use queries to analyze information within a database.

  • True (CORRECT)
  • False

Correct!

29. In the plan stage of the data life cycle, what decisions would a data analyst make? Select all that apply.

  • How the data will be analyzed 
  • Who will be responsible for the data (CORRECT)
  • How the data will be managed (CORRECT)
  • What kind of data is needed (CORRECT)

Correct!

30. A set of instructions used to perform a specified calculation is known as what?

  • A predefined statement
  • A particular value
  • A formula (CORRECT)
  • A function

Correct!

31. In the course of their current project, a data analyst uses a query to retrieve and request information. Which of the following are options the analyst can use a query for? Select all that apply.

  • Visualizing data
  • Collecting data
  • Deleting data (CORRECT)
  • Updating data (CORRECT)

Correct!

32. Why is SQL the most popular structured query language? Select all that apply.

  • SQL is the most secure database on the market
  • SQL is easy to understand
  • SQL works with a wide variety of databases (CORRECT)
  • SQL allows data analysts to use spreadsheets (CORRECT)

Correct!

33. A data analyst has finished an analysis project that involved private company data. They erase the digital files in order to keep the information secure. This describes which stage of the data life cycle?

  • Manage
  • Plan
  • Destroy (CORRECT)
  • Archive

Correct!

34. The data life cycle deals with the stages that data goes through during its useful life; data analysis involves following a process to analyze data.

  • True (CORRECT)
  • False

Correct!

35. In data analysis, a function is a preset command whereas a formula is a set of instructions used to carry out a specific calculation.

  • True (CORRECT)
  • False

Correct!

36. Fill in the blank: To request, retrieve, and update information in a database, data analysts use a _____.

  • query (CORRECT)
  • calculation
  • dashboard
  • formula

Correct!

37. The planning stage of the data life cycle is when a business decides what kind of data it needs, how the data will be handled, and who will be responsible for it.

  • True (CORRECT)
  • False

Correct!

38. In the analyze phase of the data life cycle, what might a data analyst do? Select all that apply.

  • Chooses the format of their spreadsheet headings
  • Use spreadsheets to aggregate data (CORRECT)
  • Use a formula to perform calculations (CORRECT)
  • Create a report from their data (CORRECT)

Correct!

39. Fill in the blank: In the act phase of the data analysis process, a company may need to _____ the insights of the data analysis team.

  • revise
  • validate (CORRECT)
  • accomplish
  • calculate

Correct!

40. Fill in the blank: Using a formula to perform calculations, creating a report from their data, and using spreadsheets to aggregate data would all be actions carried out in the ________ stage of the data lifecycle.

  • capture
  • analyze (CORRECT)
  • plan
  • manage

Correct!

41. Fill in the blank: The data life cycle has six stages, whereas data analysis has six _____.

  • process steps (CORRECT)
  • data types
  • key questions
  • data analytics tools

Correct!

42. Fill in the blank: A function is a preset command, whereas a formula is _____.

  • a set of instructions used to perform a specified calculation (CORRECT)
  • a particular value
  • a computer programming language
  • a predefined statement

Correct!

43. In the destroy phase of the data lifecycle, a data analyst might shred paper files.

  • True (CORRECT)
  • False

Correct!

44. A data analyst is working at a small tech startup. On their current project they are using spreadsheets to aggregate data. In which stage of the data life cycle is this analyst?

  • Manage
  • Plan
  • Analyze (CORRECT)
  • Archive

Correct!

45. In data analysis, a preset command is known as what?

  • A predefined statement
  • A formula
  • A particular value
  • A function (CORRECT)

Correct!

tHE WONDERFUL WORLD OF DATA CONCLUSION

The Google Data Analytic Professional Certificate offered through Coursera is an excellent way to gain the skills and confidence you need to pursue a successful career in data analysis. The course covers a wide range of topics, from data mining to database management, and introduces you to essential applications like SQL, Tableau, and Python.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive education in data analytics, this is the place to start. So what are you waiting for? Join the learning experience today!