Google Data Analytics Professional Certification Practice Test

Which term best describes a defined category of information in data analysis?

1. Data type

2. Data model

3. Structured data

4. External data

The correct answer is: Data type

The term that best describes a defined category of information in data analysis is "data type." A data type specifies the kind of data being handled, which helps determine how the data can be processed and analyzed. Common examples of data types include integers, strings, and dates. Understanding data types is crucial in data analysis because it influences how data is stored, what operations can be performed on it, and how it can be manipulated within various analytical methods. In contrast, a data model refers to a conceptual framework that describes the structure of data and its relationships but does not specifically denote a category of information like data type does. Structured data pertains to highly organized data that fits well into tables, such as relational databases, but is more of a format than a category. External data signifies any information sourced from outside an organization, which can include a variety of data types but isn’t a distinct category by itself.