Building History Databases: What’s Overkill?

Hosted by: David M- PHD at George Mason

Excel
Pros:
-Helpful for social media analysis

Cons:
-Information overload

Google Sheets, Google Docs, etc.
Pros:
-Easy to share with a broader community
-Able to receive feedback in real-time
-Can access data from anywhere with a wifi connection
-Free, no costly fees of database subscriptions, software expenses etc.
-User friendly

Cons:
-Runs risk of glitches
-Less shortcuts than excel
-Not as advanced as excel when it comes to visual analyzation ie: pivot tables, etc.

Alternative methods:
-Database(s)
-Open Refined Program (refined.org)
-Sequel

Conclusion:
-All comes down to personal preference
-It is possible to use various programs simultaniously for different needs
-Tailor your user experience to match project needs
-Research alternative methods to expedite process
-Share tools + tips with the digital community for enhanced user experience

Categories: Collaboration, Data Mining, Digital Literacy, Project Management, Research Methods | Tags: , , , , |

About Abby Godard

I am a junior at GWU from Columbus, OH studying political science and women's studies. I have interned on Capitol Hill for U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, at the White House in the Office of Public Engagement, and for Fox at their corporate headquarters in New York City. I most recently took the fall semester off to work on Hillary Clinton's media and communications team in my home state of Ohio.