Artificial Intelligence For Dummies, 2nd Edition

Chapter 9

Performing Data Analysis for AI

IN THIS CHAPTER

Understanding how data analysis works

Using data analysis effectively with machine learning

Determining what machine learning can achieve

Discovering the different kinds of machine learning algorithms

Amassing data isn’t a modern phenomenon; people have amassed data for centuries. No matter whether the information appears in text or numeric form, people have always appreciated how data describes the surrounding world, and among other things, they use it to move civilization forward. Data has a value in itself. By using its content, humanity can learn, transmit critical information to descendants (no need to reinvent the wheel), and effectively act in the world.

People have recently learned that data contains more than surface information. If data is in an appropriate numerical form, you can apply special techniques devised by mathematicians and statisticians, called data analysis techniques, and extract even more knowledge from it. In addition, starting from simple data analysis, you can extract meaningful information and ...