Software Engineering

2. 
Data mining
—a technique that attempts to discover patterns in large data sets or 
databases.
3. 
Sensitivity analysis
—an assessment of how the output of a model can be attrib-
uted to the input to support what-if analysis exploring the impact of varying 
input assumptions and scenarios.

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Table 14.1 
Data Collection Mechanisms and Analysis Techniques
Data Collection  Mechanism
Description
Data Analysis Techniques
Time Series
Data Mining
Sensitivity  Analysis
Structural  Analysis
Behavioral  Analysis
Quantitative  Analysis
Qualitative  Analysis
Simulation
Survey
Used when there is a need for a particular class of people to 
provide expert opinion in the area of concern.
X
X
Interviews
Used when there is a need to gain first-hand information from 
stakeholders, users, or other experts. It is unsuitable in cases 
where there is a need to gather data form a large number of 
individuals.
X
X
Group 
consensus
Used to obtain the consolidated opinions of a select group of 
individuals and to sort out personal opinions or prejudices.
X
X
X
Engineering 
judgment
The application of professional engineering knowledge to work 
out a solution or render a course of action.
X
X
X
X
X
Scientific 
experimentation
A test under controlled conditions to demonstrate a known 
truth, examine the validity of a hypothesis, or determine the 
efficacy of something previously untried.
X
X
X
X
X
X
Physical models
A conceptual, graphical, or mathematical representation 
of a real-world product or process being studied. Physical 
models are typically used when it is either impossible or 
impractical to create experimental conditions in which scientific 
experimentation can directly measure outcomes. A model 
is also a way in which the human thought process can be 
amplified or assumptions can be clarified.
X
X
X
X
X
Computer-based 
models
The development of a software-based model of a product 
or process for the purpose of obtaining an understanding of 
anticipated or unanticipated behaviors or results.
X
X
X
X
X
X
X

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