Course 2 Glossary

Glossary
Data Analytics
Terms and definitions from
Course 2
A
Action-oriented question: A question whose answers lead to change
Algorithm: A process or set of rules followed for a specific task
AVERAGE: A spreadsheet function that returns an average of the values from a selected range
B
Big data: Large, complex datasets typically involving long periods of time, which enable data
analysts to address far-reaching business problems
Borders: Lines that can be added around two or more cells on a spreadsheet
C
Cell reference: A cell or a range of cells in a worksheet typically used in formulas and functions
Cloud: A place to keep data online, rather than a computer hard drive
COUNT: A spreadsheet function that counts the number of cells in a range that meet a specific
criteria
D
Dashboard: A tool that monitors live, incoming data
Data analysis process: The six phases of ask, prepare, process, analyze, share, and act
whose purpose is to gain insights that drive informed decision-making
Data-inspired decision-making: The process of exploring different data sources to find out
what they have in common
Data life cycle: The sequence of stages that data experiences, which include plan, capture,
manage, analyze, archive, and destroy
E
Equation: A calculation that involves addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division (also called
a math expression)
F
Fill handle: A box in the lower-right-hand corner of a selected spreadsheet cell that can be
dragged through neighboring cells in order to continue an instruction
Filtering: The process of showing only the data that meets a specified criteria while hiding the
rest
G
H
Header: The first row in a spreadsheet that labels the type of data in each column
I
J
K
L
Leading question: A question that steers people toward a certain response
M
Math expression: A calculation that involves addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division
(also called an equation)
Math function: A function that is used as part of a mathematical formula
MAX: A spreadsheet function that returns the largest numeric value from a range of cells
Measurable question: A question whose answers can be quantified and assessed
Metric: A single, quantifiable type of data that is used for measurement
Metric goal: A measurable goal set by a company and evaluated using metrics
MIN: A spreadsheet function that returns the smallest numeric value from a range of cells
N
O
Open data: Data that is available to the public
Operator: A symbol that names the operation or calculation to be performed
Order of operations: Using parentheses to group together spreadsheet values in order to

clarify the order in which operations should be performed
P
Pivot chart: A chart created from the fields in a pivot table
Pivot table: A data summarization tool used to sort, reorganize, group, count, total, or average
data
Problem domain: The area of analysis that encompasses every activity affecting or affected by
a problem
Problem types: The various problems that data analysts encounter, including categorizing
things, discovering connections, finding patterns, identifying themes, making predictions, and
spotting something unusual
Q
Qualitative data: A subjective and explanatory measure of a quality or characteristic
Quantitative data: A specific and objective measure, such as a number, quantity, or range
R
Range: A collection of two or more cells in a spreadsheet
Reframing: Restating a problem or challenge, then redirecting it toward a potential resolution
Relevant question: A question that has significance to the problem to be solved
Report: A static collection of data periodically given to stakeholders
Return on investment (ROI): A formula that uses the metrics of investment and profit to
evaluate the success of an investment
Revenue: The total amount of income generated by the sale of goods or services
S
Scope of work (SOW): An agreed-upon outline of the tasks to be performed during a project
Small data: Small, specific data points typically involving a short period of time, which are
useful for making day-to-day decisions
SMART methodology: A tool for determining a question’s effectiveness based on whether it is

specific, measurable, action-oriented, relevant, and time-bound
Sorting: The process of arranging data into a meaningful order to make it easier to understand,
analyze, and visualize
Specific question: A question that is simple, significant, and focused on a single topic or a few
closely related ideas
Structured thinking: The process of recognizing the current problem or situation, organizing
available information, revealing gaps and opportunities, and identifying options
SUM: A spreadsheet function that adds the values of a selected range of cells
T
Time-bound question: A question that specifies a timeframe to be studied
Turnover rate: The rate at which employees voluntarily leave a company
U
Unfair question: A question that makes assumptions or is difficult to answer honestly
V
W
X
Y
Z

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Glossary

Algorithm: A process or set of rules followed for a specific task

Math function: A function that is used as part of a mathematical formula

Measurable question: A question whose answers can be quantified and assessed

Metric: A single, quantifiable type of data that is used for measurement

Operator: A symbol that names the operation or calculation to be performed

Order of operations: Using parentheses to group together spreadsheet values in order to

Reframing: Restating a problem or challenge, then redirecting it toward a potential resolution

Relevant question: A question that has significance to the problem to be solved

Report: A static collection of data periodically given to stakeholders

SMART methodology: A tool for determining a question’s effectiveness based on whether it is

Turnover rate: The rate at which employees voluntarily leave a company

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