Data Literacy

Lab: Data Formats

Weight: 7% Marks: /100

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Introduction
The creation of data and the collection of information is not a new development. Measurement,
tracking and looking at changes over time has allowed humanity to make better decisions and
influence the outcomes of their activities.

With the advent of the first computers, the storage and retrieval of data in mechanical or digital
formats was often unique to a specific system. The movement of data to other systems or
sharing across systems was not a design concern. As a result, multiple proprietary data formats,
known as file types, emerged.

When the need to move and share data (as well as the need for transferable data inquiry skills)
became more important, common formats, tools and methods of converting data were
developed. Universal formats, middleware and conversion tools all enabled data from one
system to be used in another.

This is an important aspect of the data analyst role and it is important that you not only
understand the data formats you may encounter, but also learn to work with and manipulate
them.

Equipment and Materials

 Computer with MS Office installed

 Internet connection

Procedure
This lab is an Internet and/or library research and discovery project. You will use the Internet to
discover different data formats, find examples of them, and then find and download tools to work
with them.

1. Review the support material for this lab, as directed by your instructor.
2. Visit the Wikipedia entry for the List of file formats
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_file_formats). There is an extensive list of formats
on this page, some of which are unique or rarely used. It’s unlikely that you’ll encounter
all of them, even in a long career.
3. Select five or six file types (see the marking criteria for guidelines) and write their names
on index cards or in your notes.
4. For each file type:
a. Record how the file type is used (e.g., text, data).

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 b. Locate an example of the type and download it.
Note: Samples of some types can be difficult to find, so you may want to limit the
ones you select to those you have heard of or have used previously.
c. Open each downloaded file and view the data.
Note: This step requires you to find an appropriate tool to view the data.
5. Record instances of any data types that you couldn’t find a tool with which to open them.
6. Record whether your operating system has an Open with… option when you attempt to
open the samples.
7. Open a new Excel spreadsheet and select File > Save As, and then use the drop-down
option to see the different file types you can select.
8. Compile a summary spreadsheet of your findings using the Deliverable section below as
a guide.
9. Submit your spreadsheet to BrightSpace for your instructor to view.

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 Figure 1: Drop Down Menu Options
Used with permission from Microsoft

Deliverables
1. Create a spreadsheet summarizing your findings.

10. Highlight the data formats, file types, contents and related analytical tools.

11. Include a References section with links to your sources. This document can be a
reference that you maintain and use throughout your career.

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Marking Criteria

Section Quality Criteria Score

 At least five data formats are considered

Sample size and
 The formats considered cover a broad range of uses /40
variety
and applications

 Tools are correctly matched with data formats and

Accuracy and file types
appropriateness of /40
 Content of data formats and file types are included
tools selected
and are correct

 Links to information sources are included, active

Referencing and accurate /20

Total /100

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