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Data-driven

(also evidence-based)

Data-driven definition

Data-driven is a decision-making approach that relies on data analysis and interpretation. Using this approach, organizations collect and analyze data to make informed decisions and optimize processes. They use empirical evidence instead of relying on intuition or personal experience. Data-driven can imply using statistical models, machine learning algorithms, and other data analysis techniques to extract insights from large datasets. It can be used in many fields, including cybersecurity.

See also: machine learning, data mining

Data-driven vs. experience-driven approaches

  • Data-driven. It implies collecting, processing, and analyzing quantitative data and objective evidence to identify patterns, trends, and insights. Data-driven approaches utilize data analytics, machine learning, and statistical techniques to make accurate decisions. Since decisions rely on empirical evidence, it is more objective and less prone to bias than the experience-driven approach. However, it can be more time-consuming and resource-intensive. Moreover, the data’s quality, availability, and representativeness can affect the outcomes. So, this approach is most suitable where quantitative data is available.
  • Experience-driven. It involves making decisions based on past experiences, anecdotal evidence, and gut feelings. Unlike data-driven, it doesn’t require collecting or analyzing data. Therefore, it can be faster, more flexible, and less resource-intensive. However, experience-driven approaches are generally more prone to bias and prejudice, as individual perspectives and experiences shape the results. Experience-driven methods are most effective when data is scarce, ambiguous, or difficult to collect and analyze.