Start with Curiosity
Have you ever looked at a chart or spreadsheet and thought, “Okay… but what does this mean?” You’re not alone, and that’s exactly where all good data work begins: with a question.
Before you dive into graphs or start crunching numbers, take a moment to get curious. What do you actually want to know? Data is powerful, but it only becomes meaningful when it answers something you’re wondering about.
Why Questions Matter More Than Numbers
Numbers are everywhere. We track sales, steps, screen time, and weather. But those numbers are just pieces of a story. Asking the right question is what helps you figure out what story they’re trying to tell.
Let’s look at a few everyday examples:
- Checking your bank balance? You’re asking, “Am I spending more than I’m saving?”
- Looking at your step count? Maybe you’re wondering, “Am I moving more this week than last?”
- Reading online reviews? You are asking, “Do other people think this product is worth it?”
Each of these examples starts with a simple question. That’s the secret to making sense of data.
Helpful Questions to Ask Before You Start
When you come across a new set of data (or collect your own), try starting with one of these:
- What’s really going on here?
Look past the surface. Try to understand the bigger picture the data is hinting at. - Is this going up or down over time?
Trends tell us a lot. Is something improving, getting worse, or staying the same? - Is this typical or unusual?
Compare current data to past information. Are things changing or pretty normal? - How does this compare to something else?
Looking at two data points side-by-side often gives you better context. - Who or what does this data not include?
Good questions aren’t just about what you see—they’re also about what is missing.
You Don’t Need to Be an Expert—Just Curious
You don’t have to be a data scientist to ask great questions. In fact, the best insights often come from people who simply want to understand. Curiosity is your greatest tool.
So next time you’re faced with numbers, take a breath and ask:
💬 “What am I trying to figure out?”
Once you know that, you’re well on your way to making data work for you.
Ready to keep learning? Our next post will walk you through how to find data to answer your questions, even from everyday life.
Stay curious!
Sydney
Data For Humans 
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