Handbook of Statistical Analysis and Data Mining Applications

Introduction

Often, data miners are asked, “What are statistical analysis and data mining?” In this book, we will define what data mining is from a procedural standpoint. But most people have a hard time relating what we tell them to the things they know and understand. Before moving on into the book, we would like to provide a little background for data mining that everyone can relate to.

Statistical analysis and data mining are two methods for simulating the unconscious operations that occur in the human brain to provide a rationale for decision making and actions. Statistical analysis is a very directed rationale that is based on norms. We all think and decide on the basis of norms. For example, we consider (unconsciously) what the norm ...