Insight or Apophenia? The Pitfalls of Data for Data's Sake
Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at 10:45 AM–11:30 AM EDT
Room 204/205
Session Abstract
Collecting data on our users is almost easier than not collecting it, but more data isn't necessarily better. Most of the incidental data we collect is noise upon which we project patterns; even the data we collect intentionally is often useless, if not outright misleading. What good is it to make data-informed decisions based on data collected or analyzed improperly?
This session will present common problems and concerns with working with data, especially our users' personal information, and offer strategies for collecting data purposefully, transparently, and minimally. The importance of contextualizing data with qualitative research will also be discussed.
Program Track
General / Strategic
Target Audience Skill Level
None — General Audience
Keywords
Data All Around Us
Presenters
Joelle Thomas, Trinity College
Panel Moderator
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