Exploratory data analysis

Last updated on Nov 3, 2021

Definition: Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) is a well-established statistical tradition that provides conceptual and computational tools for discovering patterns in data to foster hypothesis development and refinement. These tools and attitudes complement the use of hypothesis tests used in confirmatory data analysis (CDA). Even when well-specified theories are held, EDA helps one interpret the results of CDA and may reveal unexpected or misleading patterns in the data.

Related terms: <a href='/glossary/confirmatory-analyses/'>Confirmatory analyses</a>, Data-driven research, Exploratory research

References: Behrens (1997), Box (1976), Tukey (1977), & Wagenmakers (2012)

Drafted and Reviewed by: Jenny Terry, Helena Hartmann, Timo Roettger, Charlotte R. Pennington, FlĂĄvio Azevedo

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