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Data Formats in Practice

Data comes in many formats. Formats include primary vs secondary, internal vs external, continuous vs discrete, qualitative vs quantitative, nominal vs ordinal, and structured vs unstructured. Choosing the right format helps manage and use data effectively. Examples of different formats help illustrate the definitions.

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85 views

Data Formats in Practice

Data comes in many formats. Formats include primary vs secondary, internal vs external, continuous vs discrete, qualitative vs quantitative, nominal vs ordinal, and structured vs unstructured. Choosing the right format helps manage and use data effectively. Examples of different formats help illustrate the definitions.

Uploaded by

nhat hoang
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Data formats in practice

When you think about the word "format," a lot of things might come to mind. Think of an advertisement for your favorite store. You might find
it in the form of a print ad, a billboard, or even a commercial. The information is presented in the format that works best for you to take it in. The
format of a dataset is a lot like that, and choosing the right format will help you manage and use your data in the best way possible.

Data format examples


As with most things, it is easier for definitions to click when we can pair them with real life examples. Review each definit ion first and then use
the examples to lock in your understanding of each data format.
the following table highlights the differences
between primary and secondary data and examples of each

Data Format
Definition Examples
Classification

- Data from an interview you conducted - Data from a survey returned from
Collected by a researcher
Primary data 20 participants - Data from questionnaires you got back from a group of
from first-hand sources
workers

- Data you bought from a local data analytics firm’s customer profiles -
Gathered by other people
Secondary data Demographic data collected by a university - Census data gathered by the
or from other research
federal government

the following table highlights the differences


between internal and external data and examples of each
Data Format
Definition Examples
Classification

- Wages of employees across different business units tracked by HR -


Data that lives inside a
Internal data Sales data by store location - Product inventory levels across
company’s own systems
distribution centers

Data that lives outside of a - National average wages for the various positions throughout your
External data
company or organization organization - Credit reports for customers of an auto dealership

the following table highlights the differences


between continuous and discrete data and examples of each

Data Format
Definition Examples
Classification

Data that is measured and can - Height of kids in third grade classes (52.5 inches, 65.7 inches) -
Continuous data
have almost any numeric value Runtime markers in a video - Temperature

Discrete data - Number of people who visit a hospital on a daily basis (10, 20,
Data that is counted and has a
200) - Room’s maximum capacity allowed - Tickets sold in the
Data Format
Definition Examples
Classification

limited number of values current month

the following table highlights the differences


between qualitative and quantitative data and examples of each

Data Format
Definition Examples
Classification

Subjective and explanatory measures - Exercise activity most enjoyed - Favorite brands of most
Qualitative
of qualities and characteristics loyal customers - Fashion preferences of young adults

- Percentage of board certified doctors who are women -


Specific and objective measures of
Quantitative Population of elephants in Africa - Distance from Earth to
numerical facts
Mars
the following table highlights the differences
between nominal and ordinal data and examples of each

Data Format
Definition Examples
Classification

A type of qualitative data that - First time customer, returning customer, regular customer - New job
Nominal isn’t categorized with a set applicant, existing applicant, internal applicant - New listing, reduced
order price listing, foreclosure

- Movie ratings (number of stars: 1 star, 2 stars, 3 stars) - Ranked-


A type of qualitative data with
Ordinal choice voting selections (1st, 2nd, 3rd) - Income level (low income,
a set order or scale
middle income, high income)

the following table highlights the differences


between structured and unstructured data and examples of each
Data Format
Definition Examples
Classification

Data organized in a certain format, like rows and - Expense reports - Tax returns - Store
Structured data
columns inventory

Data that isn’t organized in any easily identifiable


Unstructured data - Social media posts - Emails - Videos
manner

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