Speaking the Language of Data

Ciaran Rooney

Technology and Cybersecurity Leader

Learn the language of data. Understand variables, averages, percentages, ratios and trends so you can interpret information accurately and make better decisions with confidence.

Data Science

Learn the language of data. Understand variables, averages, percentages, ratios and trends so you can interpret information accurately and make better decisions with confidence.

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Speaking the Language of Data

3 mins 22 secs

Key learning objectives:

Understand the core building blocks of data (variables, records, datasets)
Recognise different types of data and how they shape analysis (categorical vs numerical)
Understand how summary statistics can present different perspectives on the same data
Interpret common comparison metrics correctly (percentages, ratios, rates)
Distinguish between trends and seasonal patterns when analysing change over time

Overview:

Understanding data starts with its basic language. Data is built from variables, records, and datasets, and is often simplified through summaries such as averages and measures of spread. It is also presented through comparisons, proportions, and time-based patterns. Each of these shapes how information is interpreted. Without understanding these fundamentals, it is easy to misread data and draw incorrect conclusions.

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Summary

What are the basic building blocks of data?

Data is structured around variables (types of information), records (individual entries), and datasets (collections of records). Variables can be categorical or numerical, and these distinctions shape how data can be analysed and interpreted.

How is data summarised, and why does it matter?

Data is often summarised using measures such as mean, median, and mode, as well as measures of spread like range and standard deviation. Each method highlights different aspects of the data, meaning the same dataset can produce different interpretations depending on how it is summarised.

What is the difference between percentages, ratios, and rates?

Percentages show proportions of a whole, ratios compare quantities, and rates incorporate time. Although they may appear similar, they answer different questions and are not interchangeable when interpreting performance or risk.

How should we interpret data over time?

Time-based data can reflect trends or seasonal patterns. Trends indicate long-term movement, while seasonality reflects recurring cycles. Confusing the two can lead to reacting to short-term variation rather than meaningful change.

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Ciaran Rooney

Ciarán is the Chief Technology Officer at xUnlocked. He has over 20 years of experience in technology, cyber security and operations. Ciarán has held the role of CTO of several successful startups including; busuu, Skimlinks, and Swoon. He has also been a technical consultant, a startup mentor, a conference speaker, and the Chair of the PHP UK Conference.

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