Data Analysis & Reporting Flashcards

Which type of variable is 'job series number' (e.g., 0343) best classified as?

Answer: Nominal categorical

Series numbers are labels for categories, so arithmetic on them is meaningless.

An agency wants to know whether a training program improved employee scores. Which design gives the strongest evidence?

Answer: Comparing trained and untrained groups with random assignment

Random assignment with a control group best isolates the program's effect.

What does a standard deviation measure?

Answer: The spread of values around the mean

Standard deviation quantifies how dispersed data points are around the average.

You discover an error in a report you already submitted. What is the best action?

Answer: Promptly notify stakeholders, correct the report, and explain the change

Integrity requires timely, transparent correction of known errors.

Which statistic would you use to measure the strength and direction of a linear relationship between two variables?

Answer: Pearson correlation coefficient

Pearson's r ranges from -1 to 1 and captures linear association.

When handling data containing personally identifiable information (PII) in a federal setting, you should:

Answer: Follow agency privacy policies and limit access to authorized users

Federal employees must protect PII under the Privacy Act and agency safeguards.

A dashboard for managers should primarily:

Answer: Highlight a few key performance indicators tied to decisions

Effective dashboards focus attention on the metrics that drive decisions.