Thinking with Data

by Max Shron

Released January 2014

Publisher(s): O'Reilly Media, Inc.

ISBN: 9781449362935

Book description

Many analysts are too concerned with tools and techniques for cleansing, modeling, and visualizing datasets and not concerned enough with asking the right questions. In this practical guide, data strategy consultant Max Shron shows you how to put the why before the how, through an often-overlooked set of analytical skills.

Thinking with Data helps you learn techniques for turning data into knowledge you can use. You’ll learn a framework for defining your project, including the data you want to collect, and how you intend to approach, organize, and analyze the results. You’ll also learn patterns of reasoning that will help you unveil the real problem that needs to be solved.

Learn a framework for scoping data projects
Understand how to pin down the details of an idea, receive feedback, and begin prototyping
Use the tools of arguments to ask good questions, build projects in stages, and communicate results
Explore data-specific patterns of reasoning and learn how to build more useful arguments
Delve into causal reasoning and learn how it permeates data work
Put everything together, using extended examples to see the method of full problem thinking in action