Overview
In this assignment, you will apply the initial steps of the Data Science Roadmap
to our synthetic patient dataset Download synthetic patient datasetby formulating potential research questions that could guide data analysis. This process will help you develop the critical thinking skills needed to translate clinical questions into data-driven investigations and prepare you for the more extensive data analysis in your midterm project.
After completing this assignment, you will be able to:
- Formulate research questions that can be effectively addressed through healthcare data analysis
- Identify appropriate variables and their measurement levels for answering clinical questions
- Evaluate how data exploration could inform clinical decision-making
- Recognize potential data quality issues that might impact analysis
Assignment Instructions
Part 1: Preparation (Complete Before Discussion)
Before participating in the discussion, we recommend that you explore the Module 4 learning activities (Guided Database Exercise
and Data Interpretation Worksheet
which guide you through exploring the synthetic patient dataset Download synthetic patient dataset. This will ensure your discussion contributions are well-developed and thoughtfully analyzed.
Part 2: Initial Discussion Post (250-300 words)
Drawing from the synthetic patient dataset Download synthetic patient dataset, identify 2-3 potential research questions that could be answered with this data. For each question:
1. State the research question clearly and specifically:
- Frame your question to address a relationship between variables, a comparison between groups, or a trend over time
- Ensure the question is specific enough to guide data analysis