Exploratory+Data+Analysis

Exploratory Data Analysis (Statistical Review) (GWU EMSE-271)
Index | Topics (Logical Lectures) | Lectures | Problems | Readings | Nomenclature | Concepts

"Look at The Data!" - Gerard E. Dallal, Ph.D.

"**Exploratory data analysis (EDA)** is an approach to analyzing data for the purpose of formulating hypotheses worth testing ... " - [|Wikipedia]

"The objectives of EDA are to:
 * "Suggest hypotheses about the causes of observed phenomena
 * "Assess assumptions on which statistical inference will be based
 * "Support the selection of appropriate statistical tools and techniques
 * "Provide a basis for further data collection through surveys or experiments" - [|Wikipedia]


 * Techniques**

Approaches include both graphical and quantitative techniques ([|Wikipedia]). As Dr. Harris said in EMSE 271 in the Spring of 2008. "Plot the data." Plots are likely to give you an idea about the data and what to do next.

EMSE 271 approaches discussed in Lecture 1 include: [|Stem and Leaf Display] ( Session 1, slide 3) | [|Histograms] (slides 4-6) | the Emperical [|Cumulative Distribution Function (CDF)] (slide 7-8) | Comparative [|Box Plots] (MiniTab with confidence intervals) (slides 9-11) | [|Time Series] Plots) (slide 12)

Stemplots were popular in the 1980's because they could be used with monospace typewriters. "Modern computers' superior graphic capabilities have meant these techniques are less often used." - [|Wikipedia]


 * Sources:**
 * Look at The Data!. (2008), from The Little Handbook of Statistical Practice, Gerard E.Dallal. [|**http://www.StatisticalPractice.com**], Retriefed 19:25 January 2, 2009, from [] [Note: Work in progress check for updates.]
 * Exploratory data analysis. (2009, August 1). In //Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia//. Retrieved 15:02, August 1, 2009, from []
 * Stemplot. (2009, August 25). In //Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia//. Retrieved 13:50, August 25, 2009, from []
 * Note: Topic not in Devore index.