7 Misconceptions About Data Science

The data science profession has grown a lot, which has led to a number of common misconceptions worth dispelling.

Data science is a broad field that can help organizations glean significant insights into various aspects of their operations. Whether it’s uncovering truths about customer buying habits or discovering new ways to make teams collaborate more efficiently, data science can be an extremely useful tool to all who take advantage of it. This is why the demand for data scientists is growing so rapidly.

Unfortunately, many have a skewed idea of what data science is and its usefulness as a tool and field of study. For those who are new to data science, it can be helpful to dispel these myths in order to get a deeper understanding of the field and its benefits. Here are 7 misconceptions about data science that you should be aware of.

Data Science Isn’t Useful to Small Businesses

When the average layman thinks of data science, it’s likely that they picture large organizations that have millions of dollars at their disposal. This couldn’t be farther from the actual reality of how accessible data science can be to small businesses.

In fact, data science can help small business owners increase their sales and the efficiency of their employees. By utilizing insights gleaned from data science, small business owners can track what their best-selling products are and can convert more customers than they would without these insights.

You Have to Be a Math Genius to Utilize Data Science

Many of the general public believe that one has to be some sort of math genius in order to utilize data science when, in fact, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Data scientists are well versed in various programming languages, such as Java or Python. These programming languages function much more like languages than they do mathematical algorithms.

Though there is a learning curve when learning a new programming language, it doesn’t take an abundance of innate math skills to do so. As long as one is willing to put in the time and effort to learn a programming language, one can experience the joy of data science and all of the wonderful insights that it has to offer.

Data Science Costs an Arm and a Leg

For many people, the phrase “data science,” has the connotation of being an expensive and inaccessible tool. In reality, this is far from the case. Data science can be utilized in accessible and inexpensive ways with various services and resources. Individuals and business owners don’t have to hire a full-time data scientist to experience the benefits that data science has to offer.

Rather than buying into the myth that normal people can’t afford to benefit from data science, those looking to improve various aspects of their organization’s operations should look into data scientist tools and take their research and efficiency to the next level.

Data Science Is Too Complicated for “Normal People”

Many, unfortunately, are under the impression that data science is too complicated for them to utilize. This couldn’t be farther from the truth, and in fact, data science can be utilized by just about anyone. Tools and resources that utilize data science principles have become easier and easier to use in the last decade, and anyone with an internet connection has access to these tools.

Rather than letting data science myths cloud one’s judgment, those looking for options to increase the productivity and profitability of their organization or business should look into what data science can do to make their operations better.

There Aren’t Many Jobs in Data Science

Those unfamiliar with the field of data science may be tempted to think that the field is small and the number of jobs out there in the field are limited. This, in fact, is untrue and the field of data science is growing at a tremendous rate.

Examples of jobs available in the field of data science include computer system analysts and database administrators, among plenty of others. Data science is a growing field and those with an interest in it can find lucrative careers in the industry.

Data Science Is Just a Fad

Many who are unfamiliar with data science may believe that the field is nothing more than a fleeting fad. This is false, and more and more organizations are incorporating data science into their operations to boost sales and increase productivity.

Though data science is a newer field compared to some others, it is not one that is going anywhere any time soon. Data science has proved itself to be a useful field that has significant benefits for those who utilize its tools and resources.

Data Science Has No Effect on Our Lives

Those who believe that data science has no effect on their lives would likely be surprised to find out that many of the technologies that they use everyday require data science to work. These technologies include fitness trackers and GPS, which almost everyone utilizes on a regular basis. It can be useful for the public to understand that the applications of data science impact their life on a regular basis and that it has become an important part of most people’s day-to-day activities.

Data Science Is a Useful Field That’s Here to Stay

Data science and its plethora of applications have benefited our lives and organizational practices in many ways. Given the profound impact that it has had, data science seems like it is a field that will be around for decades to come. Those who are dismissive of the field will soon have to reckon with the tremendously powerful and beneficial effects that data science can have on our lives.

Whether one is a small business owner or an industry titan, data science can be a beneficial tool that can help improve operations and uncover interesting insights.