The data revolution has transformed how we work, live, and make decisions-yet most of us never received the education we need to keep up. Data Literacy Fundamentals breaks down the barriers to understanding data, offering a clear, engaging guide to help anyone move from data anxiety to data confidence.
This newly expanded second edition arrives at a critical moment, as artificial intelligence reshapes our relationship with data. Through real-world examples and practical frameworks, the book illuminates essential concepts that everyone should know: how we measure and categorize the world, what different types of analysis reveal, and how teams work together to turn data into insight.
Author Ben Jones has taught thousands of people worldwide how to work with data more effectively. Drawing from this extensive experience, he distills complex topics into accessible lessons that resonate with both beginners and experienced professionals. Readers will master fundamental concepts like the DIKW pyramid, learn to balance analytical and intuitive thinking, and develop critical skills for evaluating AI systems.
Whether you’re looking to advance your career, make better decisions, or simply understand the data-driven world around you, this book provides the foundation you need. Clear, concise, and remarkably relevant, Data Literacy Fundamentals is an essential guide for anyone seeking to thrive in our data-rich era.
Table of Content
Preface to the Second Edition
Preface to the First Edition
Introduction
Chapter 1: The One Overall Goal of Data
Chapter 2: The Two Systems of Thinking
Chapter 3: The Three Domains of Application
Chapter 4: The Four Types of Data Scales
Chapter 5: The Five Forms of Data Analysis
Chapter 6: The Six Ways of Displaying Data
Chapter 7: The Seven Groups of Data Activities
Chapter 8: The Eight Questions to Ask Upfront
Chapter 9: The Nine Steps to Organizational Success
Conclusion: The Fundamentals are Yours!
Glossary
Index
About the author
Ben Jones is the Co-Founder and CEO of Data Literacy, a company that’s on a mission to help people speak the language of data and AI. He’s also the author of AI Literacy Fundamentals, Learning to See Data, and Leading in the Age of Data. Ben teaches data visualization at the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business
More ebooks from the same author(s) / Editor
12,587 Ebooks in this category
