Artificial Intelligence
Dataset
Plain English
A collection of glossaryDataData is raw, uninterpreted information collected and stored so it can be analysed, processed, or used to inform decisions. On its own it carries no meaning; context and interpretation are what make it useful.Open glossary term.
Definition
A dataset is a structured collection of glossaryDataData is raw, uninterpreted information collected and stored so it can be analysed, processed, or used to inform decisions. On its own it carries no meaning; context and interpretation are what make it useful.Open glossary term used for analysis, training glossaryModelA model is a system or representation used to process data and generate outputs, often trained to perform specific tasks.Open glossary term, or processing.
In practice
Used as input for analytics, reporting, and glossaryMachine Learning (ML)Machine Learning is a subset of AI that enables systems to learn from data and improve performance without being explicitly programmed.Open glossary term glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term.
In context
It is worth recording where it came from and when. A dataset with no provenance cannot be audited, and cannot be defended when someone asks why the glossaryModelA model is a system or representation used to process data and generate outputs, often trained to perform specific tasks.Open glossary term behaved as it did.
The reality
Datasets are often incomplete, messy, or inconsistent, requiring cleaning before use.
Compared with
Dataset vs Data
glossaryDataData is raw, uninterpreted information collected and stored so it can be analysed, processed, or used to inform decisions. On its own it carries no meaning; context and interpretation are what make it useful.Open glossary term is the general material. A dataset is a bounded, structured collection assembled for a purpose, with a known scope. The boundary is what makes it usable and what limits what it can tell you.
FAQ
Common questions
A few practical answers to the questions that usually come up around this term.
What is a dataset?
It is a collection of glossaryDataData is raw, uninterpreted information collected and stored so it can be analysed, processed, or used to inform decisions. On its own it carries no meaning; context and interpretation are what make it useful.Open glossary term organised for use.
How are datasets used?
For analysis, reporting, and training glossaryModelA model is a system or representation used to process data and generate outputs, often trained to perform specific tasks.Open glossary term.
What makes a good dataset?
Accuracy, completeness, and structure.
Why do datasets need cleaning?
Because they often contain errors or inconsistencies.
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