Data cleaning

Definition

Checking and preparing collected data for analysis by correcting confirmed errors, dealing appropriately with invalid values and making formats consistent.

Used by Edexcel

How each exam board covers it

Edexcel GCSE Statistics · 1ST0

Specification 1d.06 · Paper 1, Paper 2

Data cleaning means checking and preparing the data before further processing. Its purpose is to make the data usable and accurate, not to make the results look tidier or more convincing. Incorrect entries can distort calculated statistics; inconsistent formats can cause software to reject values or leave them out of calculations.
Revise: Data cleaning techniques

Edexcel Statistics past papers

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Definition

How each exam board covers it

Edexcel GCSE Statistics · 1ST0

Related key terms

Revise Statistics with GradeGen