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FUNDAMENTALS FOR DATA JOURNALISTS

Brant Houston

University of Illinois

brant.houston@gmail.com

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Basic analysis

  • Counting

  • Aggregating

  • Comparing

  • Seeing

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Basic Tools�

  • Spreadsheets

  • Database Managers

  • Simple Visualization Tool

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Basic questions�

  • What is the most

  • What is the least

  • Finding the hidden number

  • Finding the magic number or calculation

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Starter calculations

  • Rate

  • Ratio

  • Parts of the Whole (The Pie Chart)

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Basic Tools�

  • Spreadsheets

  • Database Managers

  • Visualization

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Rules of the road

  • Have a good question

  • Start small

  • Have a clear answer in the story

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Caution signs

  • Know the data

  • What is a record (row)

  • Assume all datasets are flawed

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Simple data

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Simple data

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Simple data

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Simple data

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The power tool:�The pivot table

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The pivot table:�Seeing the forest �to find the tallest tree

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The pivot table:�Seeing the forest �to find the tallest tree

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The pivot table:�Seeing the forest �to find the tallest tree

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Simple visualization

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Database Manager and Mapping

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Database Manager and Mapping

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Database Manager and Mapping