The Data Loom: Weaving Understanding by Thinking Critically and Scientifically with Data

by Stephen Few

Overview

Contrary to popular myth, we do not yet live in the “Information Age.” At best, we live the “Data Age,” obsessed with the production, collection, storage, dissemination, and monetization of digital data. But data, in and of itself, isn’t valuable. Data only becomes valuable when we make sense of it. We rely on “information professionals” to help us understand data, but most fail in their efforts. Why? Not because they lack intelligence or tools, but mostly because they lack the necessary skills. Most information professionals have been trained primarily in the use of data analysis tools (Tableau, PowerBI, Qlik, SAS, Excel, R, etc.), but even the best tools are only useful in the hands of skilled individuals. Anyone can pick up a hammer and pound a nail, but only skilled carpenters can use a hammer to build a reliable structure. Making sense of data is skilled work, and developing those skills requires study and practice. Weaving data into understanding involves several distinct but complementary thinking skills. Foremost among them are critical thinking and scientific thinking. Until information professionals develop these capabilities, we will remain in the dark ages of data. This book is for information professionals, especially those who have been thrust into this important work without having a chance to develop these foundational skills. If you’re an information professional and have never been trained to think critically and scientifically with data, this book will get you started. Once on this path, you’ll be able to help usher in an Information Age worthy of the name.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781938377112
Publisher:	Analytics Press
Publication date:	05/15/2019
Edition description:	None
Pages:	142
Sales rank:	976,037
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Stephen Few, a longtime information professional, is best known for his contributions to the field of data visualization. Since founding his consultancy Perceptual Edge in 2003, he has written six books. Above all else, Stephen is a teacher. He believes that deriving value from data to support better decisions and actions is highly skilled work. Helping people develop these skills is his passion.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Construct A Loom 1

Data sense making

The ability to weave data into understanding

Requires a spectrum of skills. Critical thinking and scientific thinking are foremost among them.

Chapter 2 Think Critically 13

When we think critically, we apply logic and avoid cognitive biases.

Chapter 3 Think Scientifically 47

When we think scientifically, we apply the scientific method.

Chapter 4 Question The Data 67

Thinking critically and scientifically leads us to ask essential questions about data to improve the reliability of our findings.

Chapter 5 Measure Wisely 83

Metrics can be powerful, but we often measure the wrong things, measure the right things ineffectively, and use measurements in harmful ways.

Chapter 6 Develop Good Thinking Habits 103

In addition to critical thinking and scientific thinking, data sensemaking is also enriched by developing good thinking habits.

Chapter 7 Develop A Data

Sensemaking Culture 111

Effective data sensemaking is undermined by most organizational cultures. We must promote the cultural changes that are needed to embrace critical and scientific thinking with data.

Epilogue: Embrace The Opportunity 121