How to Describe Data examines the use of data in our everyday lives, giving you the ability to assess the usefulness and relevance of the information you encounter. In this course, learn about uncertainty’s role in measurements and how you can develop a critical eye toward evaluating statistical information in places like headlines, advertisements, and research. You’ll learn the fundamentals of discussing, evaluating, and presenting a wide range of data sets, as well as how data helps us make sense of the world. This is a broad overview of statistics and is designed for those with no previous experience in data analysis. With this course, you’ll be able to spot potentially misleading statistics and better interpret claims about data you encounter in the world. Course assessments focus on your understanding of concepts rather than solving math problems.
Read more
How to Describe Data examines the use of data in our everyday lives, giving you the ability to assess the usefulness and relevance of the information you encounter. In this course, learn about uncertainty’s role in measurements and how you can develop a critical eye toward evaluating statistical information in places like headlines, advertisements, and research. You’ll learn the fundamentals of discussing, evaluating, and presenting a wide range of data sets, as well as how data helps us make sense of the world. This is a broad overview of statistics and is designed for those with no previous experience in data analysis. With this course, you’ll be able to spot potentially misleading statistics and better interpret claims about data you encounter in the world. Course assessments focus on your understanding of concepts rather than solving math problems.
How to Describe Data examines the use of data in our everyday lives, giving you the ability to assess the usefulness and relevance of the information you encounter. In this course, learn about uncertainty’s role in measurements and how you can develop a critical eye toward evaluating statistical information in places like headlines, advertisements, and research. You’ll learn the fundamentals of discussing, evaluating, and presenting a wide range of data sets, as well as how data helps us make sense of the world. This is a broad overview of statistics and is designed for those with no previous experience in data analysis. With this course, you’ll be able to spot potentially misleading statistics and better interpret claims about data you encounter in the world. Course assessments focus on your understanding of concepts rather than solving math problems.
This is the first course in Understanding Data: Navigating Statistics, Science, and AI Specialization, where you’ll gain a core foundation for statistical and data literacy and gain an understanding of the data we encounter in our everyday lives.
What's inside
Syllabus
Welcome, Introduction & What Makes a Statistic Useful?
Rethinking Certainty
Talking about Numbers
Read more
Syllabus
Good to know
Save this course
Save
Activities
Review Basic Probability and Statistics
Show steps
Ensure a solid foundation by reviewing the fundamentals of probability and statistics before starting the course.
Browse courses on
Probability
Show steps
-
Review concepts such as probability distributions, hypothesis testing, and regression.
-
Solve practice problems to reinforce your understanding.
Read "How to Lie with Statistics"
Show steps
Become aware of the potential pitfalls and biases in statistics to make more informed decisions based on data.
View
How to Lie with Statistics
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read and understand the main arguments of the book.
-
Identify examples of misleading statistics in everyday life.
Excel Math
Show steps
Refine your Excel skills to ensure that you are ready for this course.
Show steps
-
Review basic Excel functions and formulas
-
Develop proficiency in data manipulation techniques
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Learn Data Visualization Techniques
Show steps
Enhance your ability to present data effectively by learning industry-standard data visualization techniques.
Browse courses on
Data Visualization
Show steps
-
Explore different types of data visualizations.
-
Learn best practices for choosing the right visualization for different types of data.
-
Gain proficiency in using a data visualization tool.
Solve Real-World Data Problems
Show steps
Hone your data analysis skills by solving problems that mirror real-world scenarios.
Browse courses on
Data Analysis
Show steps
-
Identify the problem and define the variables.
-
Collect and clean the data.
-
Analyze the data using statistical techniques.
-
Interpret the results and draw conclusions.
Create a Data Story
Show steps
Develop your ability to communicate data insights effectively by creating a compelling data story.
Browse courses on
Data Storytelling
Show steps
-
Choose a dataset that interests you.
-
Explore the data and identify patterns and trends.
-
Develop a narrative that explains the insights you've found.
-
Create a visual representation of your data story.
Join a Study Group
Show steps
Connect with fellow learners to discuss course concepts, share insights, and support each other's learning.
Show steps
-
Find a study group or create your own.
-
Meet regularly to discuss course materials.
-
Work together on assignments or projects.
Volunteer at a Data Analytics Organization
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience and make a meaningful contribution by volunteering your skills at a data analytics organization.
Browse courses on
Data Analytics
Show steps
-
Research and identify volunteer opportunities.
-
Apply for and secure a volunteer position.
-
Contribute to data analytics projects under the guidance of experienced professionals.
Contribute to Open-Source Data Projects
Show steps
Enhance your skills and contribute to the data community by getting involved in open-source data projects.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
-
Identify open-source data projects that align with your interests.
-
Review the project documentation and code.
-
Contribute to the project by fixing bugs or adding new features.
Review Basic Probability and Statistics
Show steps
Ensure a solid foundation by reviewing the fundamentals of probability and statistics before starting the course.
Browse courses on
Probability
Show steps
- Review concepts such as probability distributions, hypothesis testing, and regression.
- Solve practice problems to reinforce your understanding.
Read "How to Lie with Statistics"
Show steps
Become aware of the potential pitfalls and biases in statistics to make more informed decisions based on data.
View
How to Lie with Statistics
on Amazon
Show steps
- Read and understand the main arguments of the book.
- Identify examples of misleading statistics in everyday life.
Excel Math
Show steps
Refine your Excel skills to ensure that you are ready for this course.
Show steps
- Review basic Excel functions and formulas
- Develop proficiency in data manipulation techniques
Learn Data Visualization Techniques
Show steps
Enhance your ability to present data effectively by learning industry-standard data visualization techniques.
Browse courses on
Data Visualization
Show steps
- Explore different types of data visualizations.
- Learn best practices for choosing the right visualization for different types of data.
- Gain proficiency in using a data visualization tool.
Solve Real-World Data Problems
Show steps
Hone your data analysis skills by solving problems that mirror real-world scenarios.
Browse courses on
Data Analysis
Show steps
- Identify the problem and define the variables.
- Collect and clean the data.
- Analyze the data using statistical techniques.
- Interpret the results and draw conclusions.
Create a Data Story
Show steps
Develop your ability to communicate data insights effectively by creating a compelling data story.
Browse courses on
Data Storytelling
Show steps
- Choose a dataset that interests you.
- Explore the data and identify patterns and trends.
- Develop a narrative that explains the insights you've found.
- Create a visual representation of your data story.
Join a Study Group
Show steps
Connect with fellow learners to discuss course concepts, share insights, and support each other's learning.
Show steps
- Find a study group or create your own.
- Meet regularly to discuss course materials.
- Work together on assignments or projects.
Volunteer at a Data Analytics Organization
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience and make a meaningful contribution by volunteering your skills at a data analytics organization.
Browse courses on
Data Analytics
Show steps
- Research and identify volunteer opportunities.
- Apply for and secure a volunteer position.
- Contribute to data analytics projects under the guidance of experienced professionals.
Contribute to Open-Source Data Projects
Show steps
Enhance your skills and contribute to the data community by getting involved in open-source data projects.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
- Identify open-source data projects that align with your interests.
- Review the project documentation and code.
- Contribute to the project by fixing bugs or adding new features.
Career center
Reading list
Share
Similar courses
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
