Data Analysis & Reporting Flashcards

Which sampling method gives every member of the population an equal chance of selection?

Answer: Simple random sampling

Simple random sampling ensures equal selection probability and reduces selection bias.

What is the main risk of reporting only averages for a skewed dataset?

Answer: The mean may misrepresent the typical case

In skewed distributions the mean is pulled toward the tail and may not reflect typical values.

In a KSA narrative, which opening sentence for an analysis example is strongest?

Answer: As a program analyst, I analyzed 3 years of claims data to cut processing time by 18%.

A specific role, task, and quantified result convey demonstrated competence.

Which tool is most appropriate for automating a repetitive data cleaning task across thousands of rows?

Answer: A script or macro (e.g., Python, R, VBA)

Scripting reduces errors and time on repetitive transformations and is repeatable.

A Type I error occurs when you:

Answer: Reject a true null hypothesis

A Type I error is a false positive: rejecting a null hypothesis that is actually true.

When your analysis contradicts a manager's expectations, you should:

Answer: Present the findings objectively with supporting evidence and limitations

Analysts must report objective results even when they are unwelcome, with context.

Which visualization best shows the proportion of a budget spent across five categories at one point in time?

Answer: Bar chart sorted by value

A sorted bar chart allows accurate comparison of category amounts or shares.