A simple guide to Exploratory Data Analysis

As a data scientist navigating through vast datasets, the significance of EDA cannot be overstated.

It is the compass that guides the journey from raw data to actionable insights, bringing clarity to the complex landscape of information.

In this issue, we delve into the fundamental steps of Exploratory Data Analysis, exploring its multifaceted role in shaping the trajectory of data analysis.

EDA is used to investigate and understand the datasets before diving into more advanced analysis.
EDA is crucial, as it unveils:

>Characteristics of data

>Aids in the formulation of hypotheses

>Identification of patterns or anomalies

The steps of EDA include:

1. Data Familiarization

The first step in EDA involves understanding the dataset at hand.

This includes exploring the size of the dataset, the types of variables it contains, and an overview of the data's statistical properties.

2. Data Cleaning

Data quality is important!

In this phase, Data Scientists identify and rectify missing values, outliers, and any inconsistencies within the dataset.

This meticulous process ensures that subsequent analyses are based on robust, accurate data.

3. Preliminary Analysis

Some examples are:

Univariate analysis to learn about the distribution of the variables

Bivariate analysis to uncover potential associations or dependencies

These analyses serve as an excellent basis

4. Visualization

Visual representations, such as heat maps, bar charts, and scatter plots, are integral to EDA.

They help in conveying insights more effectively and can reveal patterns that may remain concealed in tabular data.

5. Hypothesis Formulation

EDA often leads to the formulation of hypotheses about the data, which can then be rigorously tested through statistical methods

Finally, the insights garnered through EDA are documented and communicated effectively.

This includes clear explanations, visual aids, and actionable recommendations for further analysis or decision-making.

EDA Tip

If you want to see a sample of how EDA is done I would suggest you go to Kaggle and check out some notebooks.

Click on the link below