In this post, we will understand the difference between descriptive data mining and predictive data mining.
Descriptive Data Mining
It tries to understand what happened in the past by analyzing the stored data.
The data it provides is accurate.
It provides standard reporting.
It also provides ad-hoc reporting.
It uses a reactive approach.
It uses data aggregation and data mining.
It tells about the characteristics of data in the target dataset.
Questions such as −
what happened?
where is the problem?
what is the frequency of this problem?
Predictive Data Mining
It tries to understand what could happen in the future using past data analysis.
It may not be accurate result.
It is used in predictive modelling, forecasting, simulation and alerts.
It uses statistics and forecasting methods.
It uses a proactive approach.
Questions such as −
what would happen next?
what would be the outcome if the trends continue?
what actions need to be taken?