“Big Data” has been a buzzword in health journalism for a while, but those without a background in analyzing large data sets may feel intimidated just starting out. A webinar sponsored by USC Annenberg’s Reporting on Health will provide journalists with a primer to using Excel spreadsheet for data cleanup and analysis. Data journalist Paul Overberg, who has spent more than 20 years on data analysis, will explain how journalists can use spreadsheets to make journalists “better at finding a story, fending off bogus ideas and sharpening the questions they can ask people.
According to the Reporting on Health website, Overberg “specializes in analyzing demographic trends but has worked on data about everything from Obamacare to stream flows. He has taught data journalism at American University and for professional groups including Investigative Reporters and Editors, Associated Press Media Editors, the Reynolds Institute for Business Journalism at Arizona State and the Society of Professional Journalists.”
Additional information is available here. The webinar is made possible by the National Institute for Health Care Management Foundation
WHEN/WHERE:
Tuesday, July 7 at 10 a.m. PT/ 1 p.m. ET
How to Attend:
Journalists can register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2357061926645841665
Reporting on Health also recommends the following supplementary materials:
Excel basics for journalists:
“How journalists can use Excel to organize data for stories,” by Josh Hatch, Poynter
“Excel I – Sorting and filtering,” Linda J Johnson, IRE.org
Excel functions for journalists:
“My Favorite (Excel) Things,” by Mary Jo Webster, Minneapolis Star Tribune
“Excel 2: Rates and Ratios,” by Denise Malan, IRE.org
Excel data cleanup for journalists:
“My Favorite (Excel) Things,” by Mary Jo Webster, Minneapolis Star Tribune
Associated data and examples:
Excel Tricks 2014 handout data (spreadsheet)
YouTube videos: