module 7.2: Public Data Sources

Why we should use data sources:

• Since there is so much data available, we can use it in order to draw conclusions, prove a hypothesis, or fulfill an assignment.

• The fun thing about using an open data source is that there is a variety of options to choose from. 

• There are data sources on stocks, housing prices, animals, and so much more

• Here is a link to a Kaggle that offers a bunch of different data sources!

How we should use data sources:

• Can I trust the quality of the data?

  • • How was it collected?

    • How accurate is it?

    • How precise is it?

    • Could it be biased?

• How should I reference the data if I use it?

• Should I present the data?  (Is there anything personally identifiable that shouldn’t be shared)?

Your turn!

We showed you how to use Kaggle, now it's your turn to look up a dataset! On Kaggle, look up a dataset with information about a topic that interests you. Explore the stats on the website about the dataset, and tell us a bit about what information it contains (i.e. what columns there are, where it's sourced from, and what purpose it might serve).