Common data types

Introduction to Data Literacy

Jess Ahmet

Content Developer, DataCamp

Importance of the data type

  • Different types of data required to get a complete picture
  • Has an effect on:
    • How to collect the data
    • How to store the data
    • How to analyze the data

Illustration of two people adding different types of data together

Introduction to Data Literacy

Structured vs. unstructured data

Structured

  • Data in tabular form
  • Easy to search and organize
  • Requires less preprocessing
  • Stored in relational databases

Unstructured

  • Data without a pre-defined structure
  • Difficult to search and organize
  • Requires more preprocessing
  • Stored in document databases
Introduction to Data Literacy

Examples of structured data

  • Spreadsheets
  • Data tables

Spreadsheet data

Introduction to Data Literacy

Examples of unstructured data

  • Images
  • Videos
  • Sound
  • Text

Icons of video, text, email, sound and stars

Introduction to Data Literacy

Quantitative vs. qualitative data

Quantitative

  • Describes something with numbers
  • Can be measured or counted
  • Wider range of statistics and analysis methods
  • Example: distance between home and work

Qualitative

  • Describes something with categories
  • Can be observed
  • More restricted range of statistics and analysis methods
  • Example: color of your eyes
Introduction to Data Literacy

Examples of quantitative data

  • Count of ice cream scoops
  • Minutes before the ice cream starts to melt
  • Length of the cone

Four ice cream cones in a row

Introduction to Data Literacy

Examples of qualitative data

  • Flavor of the ice cream
  • Color of the ice cream
  • Cone or cup?

Four ice cream cones in a row

Introduction to Data Literacy

Let's practice!

Introduction to Data Literacy

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