Let’s define big data: extremely large data sets that may be analysed computationally to reveal patterns, trends and associations, especially relating to human behaviour and interactions.
Now let’s move onto small data definition: data that is small enough for human comprehension Click To Tweet It comes in a volume and format that makes it accessible, informative and actionable.
Next, let’s see how these two different concepts interact:
- The corporate world has relied mostly on big data nowadays.
- It is almost impossible to describe emotions using data.
- Big data is about analysing the past while small data is all about finding the causation.
- Big and small data are like yin and yang: the former is good at setting the pavement for transactions to take place while the latter is essential for replicating the feeling of community and experiential shopping.
Check this interview with Martin Lindstrom for more insights.
Small Data in Educational Systems
Small data can make an impact on the education field. It is fact oriented, providing information on current events.
The main benefits of this type of data collection are:
- It gives context to the information and patterns revealed by big data.
- Easy access for administrators and educators.
- It allows early interventions on absenteeism cases.
- Boosting of test scores from early stages.
- Good for controlling budgets and expenses.
- It improves education quality in general.
Take a deeper look at the subject here.
Small Data and The Internet of Things
Small data is essential to harnessing the power of IoT Click To Tweet Here is how:
- It let us know what an object is doing while big data explains why.
- The Internet of Things is going to change the rules of the game, as so many objects (driverless cars and wearables among others) will create billions of data sets.
- Small data improve the performance of logistics industries: trucks, warehouses and factories may operate more efficiently without rising costs too much.
- It is the counterpoint to big data: we still must create a long-term strategy for the newly connected people, places, devices and information.
Expand your perspective on the subject here.
Big Data is Watching You. Photo by Jeremy Keith, CC BY 2.0.