Organizing data makes the data easier to use in your analysis. In this part of the course, you’ll learn the importance of organizing your data through sorting and filtering. You’ll explore these processes in both spreadsheets and SQL as you continue to prepare your data for analysis.

• Describe what is involved in the data analysis process with reference to goals and key tasks
• Discuss the importance of organizing data before analysis with references to sorts and filters
• Describe sorting as it relates to data in a spreadsheet or database with reference to functionality and benefits
• Demonstrate an understanding of the steps involved in sorting and filtering data through the use of SQL queries

Data analysis basics

The 4 phases of analysis

1. Organize data
2. Format and adjust data
   • You are working with a dataset from a local community college. You sort the students alphabetically by last name.
3. Get input from others
   • You ask volunteers at a theater production which tasks they have already completed and add that data to a spreadsheet containing all required tasks. You will use the information provided by the volunteers to figure out which tasks still need to be done.
4. Transform data
   • You are working with three datasets about voter turnout in your county. First, you identify relationships and patterns between the datasets. Then, you use formulas and functions to make calculations based on your data.

Sort data in spreadsheets

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Sorting and filtering in Sheets and Excel

Sort data using SQL

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