Visualization: Another V Associated with Big Data

• Activity Number: 529
• Type: Roundtables
• Date/Time: Wednesday, August 6, 2014 : 12:30 PM to 1:50 PM
• Sponsor: Section on Statistical Education
• Author(s): John D. McKenzie Jr.*+
• Companies: Babson College
• Keywords: Analytics ; Data Science ; Infographics ; Variety ; Velocity ; Volume

Abstract

Big Data denotes data sets whose size is beyond the ability of commonly used software to capture, store, manage, and analyze. It also is defined by Laney's three Vs: volume (amount of data), velocity (speed in and out), and variety (range of data types and sources). Others have included a fourth V: veracity (maintaining and assuring the accuracy and consistency of data over time). In analyzing such data and communicating the results of analyses, another V---visualization---is almost always needed to communicate complex information concisely and quickly. We will discuss where visualizations (a.k.a. information graphics or infographics) should be included in the undergraduate statistics curriculum. In the introductory applied statistics course, which should prepare students to be both producers and consumers of data? In an interdisciplinary data science course or a separate elective? We will identify appropriate software to visualize Big Data, along with data sets that can be successfully used in such courses. In the course of our conversation, we will learn what has worked and what hasn't when introducing visualization into the curriculum.