The hottest Data Analysis Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Analysing Qualitative User Data

UX Psychology • 396 implied HN points • 26 May 23
🔬 Science Data Analysis User Insights
  1. Qualitative data analysis involves examining non-numerical data, like interviews or observations, to find patterns and insights. This process requires a more nuanced approach compared to quantitative data analysis.
  2. Qualitative coding offers benefits like unveiling new insights, enhancing study validity, and providing contextual understanding of users' behaviors and motivations.
  3. There are different types of qualitative data analysis methods such as content analysis, thematic analysis, discourse analysis, and grounded theory. Choosing the right method depends on your research question, the type of data collected, and available resources.

Unraveling Alzheimer's Inequalities: From New Drugs to Healthcare Disparities

American Inequality • 393 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Alzheimer's Healthcare Inequality Data Analysis Caregiving
  1. Alzheimer's is a major problem in the US, affecting millions and expected to double in the next 25 years.
  2. Inequality plays a significant role in Alzheimer's, with different communities and demographics being impacted differently.
  3. More focus is needed on training caregivers, analyzing data on minority communities, and educating about new drugs to address Alzheimer's inequalities.

A Grandmaster's Guide to Machine Learning Challenges

Mindful Modeler • 339 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Machine Learning Data Analysis Competition Podcast Challenges
  1. Focus on creating an end-to-end pipeline first, experiment with simple models, and then scale up gradually for better results in machine learning challenges.
  2. Success in a challenge correlates with time invested, so choose challenges that motivate you and spend time understanding the data before committing.
  3. Adopt a strategy to pick challenges that interest you, prioritize an experimentation loop, and aim to optimize later for overall success.
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Here's Proof that Extreme Poverty Statistics are Unreliable

Policy Tensor • 373 implied HN points • 29 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Poverty Data Analysis Development Research
  1. Extreme poverty statistics may not be reliable due to potential biases in measurement methods.
  2. Evidence indicates inconsistencies between poverty rates and key indicators like life expectancy, raising concerns about the accuracy of poverty data.
  3. The World Bank's numbers show discrepancies that suggest a need for further scrutiny and possible revision of poverty measurement techniques.

Failing upwards

davidj.substack • 35 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
💼 Business Risk management Corporate Governance Investment strategy Human Resources Data Analysis
  1. Taking risks is a natural part of business. Employees at all levels face risks, and their roles should help manage those risks effectively.
  2. Data teams need to engage with business risks and help optimize rewards. Building data infrastructure should only be a means to support this goal.
  3. Not everyone is suited for risk-taking roles in the private sector. Some people may excel at politics but fail to deliver real results, which leads to inefficiencies in recruitment.

The Importance (and Shortcomings) of a Data-Driven Approach in Venture Capital

patternventures • 198 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Investment Strategies Data Analysis Market Trends
  1. Venture capital is a great field for using data because it can really improve the investment process. By analyzing data, investors can more easily find and support promising startups.
  2. Some key performance indicators (KPIs) have been shown to correlate with the success of funds. For example, funds scoring above 30% on specific KPIs are much more likely to provide high returns.
  3. While data-driven strategies are helpful, they aren't perfect. Investors still need solid experience and networks to truly understand fund performance and secure access to the best opportunities.

A new chapter on generalization

Mindful Modeler • 99 implied HN points • 16 Apr 24
🔬 Science Machine Learning Generalization Statistics Interpretability Data Analysis
  1. Many COVID-19 classification models based on X-ray images during the pandemic were found to be ineffective due to various issues like overfitting and bias.
  2. Generalization in machine learning goes beyond just low test errors and involves understanding real-world complexities and data-generating processes.
  3. Generalization of insights from machine learning models to real-world phenomena and populations is a challenging process that requires careful consideration and assumptions.

KSDRP: Settling Science Fairly. A new method to objectively resolve scientific disputes

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 3 implied HN points • 22 May 25
🔬 Science Scientific Method Data Analysis AI Applications Health Science Public Debate
  1. The Kirsch Scientific Dispute Resolution Protocol (KSDRP) is a new way to settle scientific disagreements logically and fairly.
  2. It involves choosing judges, using real data, and letting chatbots help analyze the information before judges make a final decision.
  3. This method can help answer tough questions, like the impact of COVID vaccines, by measuring outcomes from different groups.

Breaking analysis paralysis: a guide to using data in product management

Askwhy: UX Research, Product Management, Design & Careers • 33 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
💼 Business Product Management Data Analysis User Research Market Strategy Customer Insights
  1. Always start with a clear hypothesis when analyzing data. This helps focus your research and prevents getting lost in too much information.
  2. Use a mix of qualitative and quantitative data for a better understanding. This means looking at both numbers and user feedback to get the full picture.
  3. Document your analysis process carefully. This helps others understand your findings and allows for better collaboration in the future.

Are AlphaFold's new results a miracle or a mirage?

Oleg’s Substack • 37 HN points • 24 Jun 24
🔬 Science Research Data Analysis Machine Learning Proteins
  1. AlphaFold 3 can predict how drug-like molecules bind to proteins better than existing programs without needing a 3D structure of the target.
  2. Data redundancy in scientific datasets can impact the performance and interpretation of machine learning models.
  3. AlphaFold 3's occasional missed obvious insights, like atoms overlapping, raises questions about its learning methods and performance.

How I made "The Probability Times"

Nerology • 142 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Predictions Data Analysis Statistics Technology
  1. The project turns election predictions into real newspaper headlines, making stats feel more concrete. Each data point in the simulations gets a corresponding news story.
  2. Using a script, detailed election results from states can be generated, summarizing victories and close races. This gives journalists useful info to write about.
  3. AI tools were utilized to create news articles and images, making the project visually appealing and engaging. The tech helps bring the election outcomes to life with visuals and compelling stories.

How dbt succeeds

benn.substack • 997 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
💼 Business Data Analysis Technology Competition Monetization Acquisition
  1. dbt Labs' success has had a significant impact on people's lives by providing better job opportunities and higher salaries in the data industry.
  2. Despite its success, dbt Labs may face increasing competition in the future from startups and other companies that are challenging its position in the market.
  3. dbt Labs could consider evolving its business strategy by focusing on its community, exploring new product opportunities, or even exploring options like selling the company to better align with market trends and potential challenges.

How many games do PC/console players own, & do they 'main' just one?

The GameDiscoverCo newsletter • 294 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Gaming Data Analysis
  1. PC and console players tend to own a large number of games, with varying preferences on the amount of games owned
  2. Steam players show a trend where the number of games owned impacts the diversity of playtime spent on each game
  3. Console players, such as Xbox and PlayStation users, display different patterns in game ownership compared to Steam users

5 Cybersecurity Predictions for 2024

Frankly Speaking • 305 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Artificial Intelligence Data Analysis
  1. Security companies are shifting focus to platforms, leading to acquisitions and consolidations to improve operational efficiency.
  2. Cybersecurity is moving towards more building and software engineering, away from solely relying on buying tools to solve problems.
  3. The adoption of reasonable metrics is becoming crucial for cybersecurity, allowing for better justification of funding and overall security enhancement.

The Roundup of Blogs and Newsletters About Analytics - Issue 133

Data Analysis Journal • 314 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Data Analysis Data science Product Analytics SaaS
  1. The post discusses a roundup of blogs and newsletters about analytics.
  2. It highlights key articles on adjacent users measurement, ML in product analytics, and SQL case statements.
  3. Various expert blogs and newsletters are recommended for analysts, data practitioners, and anyone interested in data and analytics.

Data Update 1 for 2023: Setting the Table

Musings on Markets • 779 implied HN points • 07 Jan 23
💰 Finance Data Analysis Investment Strategies Corporate Finance Market Trends Valuation Techniques
  1. Having too much data can be overwhelming and lead to distractions. It's important to focus on the most relevant information when making decisions.
  2. Data should not be seen as the only answer; personal judgment and reasoning are essential in analysis. Relying solely on data can hinder good decision-making.
  3. Data can be biased and subjective, even though many think of it as purely objective. It's crucial to be mindful of how data is presented and used.

I spent 3 hours figuring out how BigQuery inserts, deletes and updates data internally. Here's what I found.

VuTrinh. • 139 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Data Engineering Cloud Computing Database Management Data Analysis Software Development
  1. BigQuery manages data using immutable files, meaning once data is written, it cannot be changed. This helps in processing data efficiently and maintains data consistency.
  2. When you perform actions like insert, delete, or update, BigQuery creates new files instead of changing existing ones. This approach helps in features like time travel, which lets you view past states of data.
  3. BigQuery uses a system called storage sets to handle operations. These sets help ensure processes are performed atomically and consistently, maintaining data integrity during changes.

PacBio@JPM - Tech Stuff

ASeq Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Tech development Biotechnology Data Analysis Innovation Research
  1. PacBio is working on high-density chips that can hold more information than before. This means they can process data faster and more efficiently.
  2. The focus on ongoing technical development indicates that PacBio is trying to stay ahead in the biotech field. They are continuously improving their technology to meet market needs.
  3. The information presented is part of a broader update at the JPM conference, showing that PacBio is committed to advancing their technology and sharing their progress with subscribers.

Why do some great PC/console games fail to 'go big'?

The GameDiscoverCo newsletter • 294 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Gaming Data Analysis Tech news Game Development Digital Platforms
  1. Some great PC/console games may struggle to become popular despite positive ratings and marketing efforts.
  2. The genre of a game, such as 'Metroidvania', can impact its success due to market saturation and competition from existing popular titles.
  3. Publishers should focus on understanding player behavior, adapting marketing strategies, and fostering organic excitement to improve game reach and success.

Freddie Mac House Price Index Increased in October; Up 3.7% Year-over-year

CalculatedRisk Newsletter • 23 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
💰 Finance Real Estate Market Trends Economic Indicators Data Analysis Investment Strategies
  1. The Freddie Mac House Price Index went up 3.7% compared to last year, showing a steady increase in home prices.
  2. Florida has many cities experiencing large price declines, with 18 out of the top 35 cities affected.
  3. If more houses are available for sale and sales remain low, we might see a slowdown in home price growth early next year.

When to Use Forecasting for Decisions

Abstraction • 19 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
💼 Business Decision-making Forecasting Risk management Strategic Planning Data Analysis
  1. It's not always worth it to forecast when making decisions. Sometimes it's better to prepare for the worst or trust experts who know what they're doing.
  2. For less important choices, you can follow proven rules or experts. This makes decision-making easier and saves time.
  3. When facing big decisions, like moving cities, it's smart to gather data to guide your choice. Using information about others’ experiences can help you make better decisions.

What Exactly is Data Storytelling? Here Are Some of The Basics

Data at Depth • 79 implied HN points • 15 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Data storytelling Data Visualization Narrative Data Analysis
  1. Data storytelling brings calmness and clarity to complex datasets by revealing the story behind the numbers.
  2. To engage interest and drive change, data needs to be transformed into a narrative that resonates with the audience.
  3. The three core components of data storytelling are: finding/creating a good data set, visualizing data to identify trends, and providing a narrative based on these trends.

What A Horse Can Tell Us About Machine Learning

Mindful Modeler • 279 implied HN points • 10 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence Data Analysis Predictive Modeling
  1. Animals like horses and machines can appear clever by relying on cues and shortcuts, rather than true understanding.
  2. When designing or evaluating machine learning models, watch out for 'Clever Hans Predictors' that rely on spurious correlations.
  3. To spot potential Clever Hans Predictors, look for unexpectedly good model performance, apply causal thinking, examine data closely, and use interpretation methods to investigate model behavior.

Get the Most Out of Your Custom LLMs

Gradient Flow • 279 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Deep Learning Data Analysis Tools
  1. Custom Large Language Models (LLMs) and Custom Foundation Models can enhance accuracy, data privacy, and security in specialized fields like healthcare, law, and finance.
  2. Training custom models involves crucial stages like Pre-training, Supervised Fine-Tuning, Reward Modeling, and Reinforcement Learning.
  3. WeightWatcher is an open-source tool that helps analyze and improve the performance of deep learning models, aiding in conserving resources, detecting model saturation, and enhancing model quality.

How To Do a Root Cause Analysis - Issue 162

Data Analysis Journal • 275 implied HN points • 20 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Data Analysis Framework KPIs User Behavior
  1. Root cause analysis is essential for understanding unexpected changes in user behavior or metric decline.
  2. Tools like Root Cause Analysis (RCA) can pinpoint anomalies quickly, but additional work is needed to truly understand why something is happening.
  3. Analyzing the 'what' and 'why' behind metrics decline or user behavior change requires a comprehensive framework.

chainEDGE 3.0 Is Live

Onchain Wizard's Cauldron • 137 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Data Analysis Cryptocurrency Web Development User Interface Trading
  1. The chainEDGE 3.0 update brings significant improvements for users, including enhanced UI and filtering options.
  2. The new version features tools like auto-filtering of low liquidity tokens and detailed insights into smart money swaps.
  3. chainEDGE 3.0 offers optimized token and wallet pages, along with a Portfolio God dashboard for sorting and filtering smart money holdings.

Covid mRNA Vaccination Does Not Protect Against Severe Hospitalization And Death

Pierre Kory’s Medical Musings • 137 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccination Data Analysis Natural Immunity Health Risks
  1. Covid mRNA vaccines may not protect against severe hospitalization or death, according to some data.
  2. Natural immunity could offer equal or better protection compared to vaccination.
  3. Recent data suggests a possible decline in efficacy of mRNA vaccines against Omicron variant.

I don't think SlateStarCodex readers have an average IQ of 137

Unconfusion • 199 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Intellectualism Psychology Surveys Data Analysis
  1. Self-reported IQ scores can be unreliable because people often round their answers or inflate their scores. This makes it hard to trust such numbers.
  2. The average IQ of a specific group can be misleading; just because a group attracts certain types of readers doesn't mean their average IQ is much higher than the general population.
  3. For groups to have a truly high average IQ, there usually need to be barriers or specific conditions in place, like competitive environments or rigorous selection processes.

Weekly Notes

Rethinking Software • 149 implied HN points • 23 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Agile Methodology Product Management Team Dynamics Data Analysis
  1. Story points are basically just hidden time estimates for tasks in software development. Understanding this can help with better planning and predicting when a project will be finished.
  2. Product management should be like a party host, making sure developers and customers communicate and enjoy their time together. This creates a better experience for everyone involved.
  3. There are ways for companies to run without traditional management, like the tomato processor Morning Star. This might be a model to explore for improving the software industry's workflow.

Community Notes and potential vote brigading

Conspirador Norteño • 36 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting Systems Data Analysis Community Engagement
  1. Community Notes on the X platform use a unique voting system to check facts, requiring a mix of helpful ratings. This makes it harder to manipulate which information is shown.
  2. Recent voting patterns show large bursts of upvotes or downvotes after political posts, often favoring right-leaning perspectives. This suggests some users might be trying to game the system.
  3. Out of many notes reviewed, most aimed to correct or add context to political content. While some notes were rated 'helpful,' others still need more varied ratings to be visible.