Big Data: How Do Computer Geeks Capture and Analyze Information?

The gathering and analysis of information is made easier through modern technology. Computer scientists, statisticians and others work on data collection designs and methodology. They work to determine the best way to analyze the data so they can put the information to use. Consider these four methods of capturing and analyzing big data.

Implement Surveys

Surveys are an ideal way to capture information. A survey can be set up by computer scientists, statisticians and other people who want to gather information. Surveys can be directed at a specific population and for any reason that the computer scientist has in mind. The information is collected in a database format that facilitates the analysis of the data.

Gather Information Behind the Scenes

In many situations, information is gathered behind the scenes. Many websites use “cookies” and gather data about where a visitor has been and what they do on each website. This information might be collected without the user’s permission, requiring visitors to opt-out by contacting the company. This information is automatically transmitted to big data holding files that are formatted for ease of analysis.

Use Computer Science Skills

Computer science is a methodology of using computers to collect and analyze all types of information. Computer scientists may build the software systems that collect the data. Computer science can also be used to solve problems with data collection software. Many computer scientists devise new methods of performing analysis of the information that is collected. They are also able to analyze and interpret the results and share their findings with others.

Conduct Data Analysis

Most self-proclaimed computer geeks will conduct complex analysis of the information they gather. They might use a variety of statistical techniques, such as logistic regression when they want to determine a predictor of an outcome. In some cases, they might program the computer to determine which test to use and then have the computer perform one or more of the most desirable tests. Different statistical tests are used in different situations, and there are pros and cons to each type.

The collection and analysis of information is performed in nearly every sector of the economy. All sorts of details are collected, loaded into databases and made available to computer scientists and other researchers to delve into. As technology changes, so do the methods of examining the data. In many cases, the information that is collected is used to improve the scope and depth of human knowledge and technological systems.