Google Data Analytics Professional Certification Practice Test

What does an observation refer to in data analysis?

1. Data collected over time

2. The attributes that describe a piece of data in a table

3. A subjective opinion about data quality

4. The outcome of a statistical test

The correct answer is: The attributes that describe a piece of data in a table

An observation in data analysis refers to the specific values or data points collected for an individual instance within a dataset. It is essentially a row in a data table, where each observation describes a unique entity or subject being studied. This is represented by the attributes or characteristics associated with that entity, which are typically organized in columns within the table. The observations provide the raw data that analysts work with to draw insights, conduct statistical analyses, and make informed decisions. In the context of data analysis, this understanding aligns with how data is structured in databases and data frames, where each observation contributes to the overall analysis. For example, in a dataset of customer information, each row would represent a distinct customer (an observation), while the columns would include relevant attributes such as customer ID, age, and purchase history. Thus, correctly identifying observations as the specific data instances is essential for conducting effective data analysis.