Google Data Analytics Professional Certification Practice Test

What kind of data does a pivot table typically handle?

1. Unstructured qualitative data

2. Numerical data for summarization

3. Textual data for analysis

4. A blend of images and graphics

The correct answer is: Numerical data for summarization

A pivot table is specifically designed to manage and summarize numerical data, making it an essential tool for data analysis. It allows users to quickly aggregate, analyze, and compare large sets of data by organizing it into a structured format. By performing calculations such as sums, averages, or counts, pivot tables enable users to distill complex information into easily interpretable insights. This functionality is particularly useful for financial reports, sales data, and other scenarios where summarization of quantitative information is crucial. While unstructured qualitative data can provide valuable insights, it typically requires different methods of analysis, such as text analysis or coding, and is not the primary focus of pivot tables. Similarly, textual data may also be analyzed separately but does not directly suit the summarization capabilities of a pivot table. Lastly, a blend of images and graphics falls outside the realm of traditional data analysis as pivot tables are not designed to process visual content, further reinforcing the fact that numerical data is the intended input for effective use of pivot tables.