Blog 4:OpenRefine

Using and understanding OpenRefine has opened my eyes to the importance of the organization of data. When my group initially received our data set for graphic novels, we did not know where to start. There were various pieces of info and we did not know how to arrange it in a coherent way or develop a proper set of metrics to classify the data for the purpose of our research questions. With OpenRefine, my eyes were opened to how much the perception of a data set could change with cleaning the data; it definitely lives up to its description as a “powerful tool for dealing with messy data.” Without OpenRefine, it would most likely take ages for my group to clean and process the whole data set. With tools such as the facet menu, the group is able to organize the data more properly to our standards and also split columns when need be.

On top of organizing data, OpenRefine is also a wonderful tool for analyzing data. With the graphic novel data set, OpenRefine is able to sort through the numerous rows and columns of data; it also has tools such as the merge and resorting tool that would allow my group to discern the amount of titles that pop up over and over again. In addition to this, OpenRefine allows the user to emphasize certain relevant columns and rows that are important to the objectives of the group.

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