Unit 5. Analytics#

Analytics encompasses a wide range of tasks such as investigating data, interpreting data, identifying underlying patterns and trends, and developing models to forecast future events. Analytics can also include tasks from the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI methods and models leverages a computer system to simulate human intelligence through functions like learning and problem solving.

Health Equity and Analytics

  • Analytics can be used to inform public health policy and initiatives aimed at achieving health equity.
  • By analyzing data on health disparities and identifying potential contributing factors, public health practitioners can identify areas where action is needed to reduce health disparities and ensure equitable access to healthcare.
  • Analytic methods must also be carefully implemented to minimize bias which may arise from the analysis itself.

What is Analytics?#

Investigating and analyzing data, spotting underlying patterns and trends, and creating models to predict the future are just a few of the many jobs that go under the umbrella of analytics.

Types of Analytics#

Below are the subject areas and analytic methods that will be covered within this learning unit:

  • Biostatistics: a branch of statistics that encompasses analytic methods applying statistical techniques to the analysis and interpretation of biological, medical, and health-related data.

  • Machine Learning: analytic methods leveraging computer algorithms to analyze data and perform tasks such as predictive modeling, forecasting, decision-making based on training data.

  • Natural Language Processing: a sub-field of AI located at the intersection of computer science, statistics, and linguistics that uses computer algorithms to extract, interpret, and generate information from human language.

  • Computer Vision: the scientific field using computers to process visual information to gain meaning about the shape, appearance, or identification of objects.

Lessons#

This Unit includes the following sections exploring Analytics and health equity: