Origins of Modern Data Analysis Linked to the Beginnings and Early Development of Computer Science and Information Engineering

TL;DR

This paper explores the historical development of modern data analysis, emphasizing its roots in early computer science and information engineering, focusing on tabular and heterogeneous data analysis and their evolving contexts.

Contribution

It provides a historical perspective linking the origins of data analysis to the early development of computer science and information engineering, highlighting key themes and their evolution.

Findings

Data analysis origins are tied to early computer science.

Exploratory data analysis is a heuristic approach starting from data.

The context of research, publishing, and societal relationships influenced development.

Abstract

The history of data analysis that is addressed here is underpinned by two themes, -- those of tabular data analysis, and the analysis of collected heterogeneous data. "Exploratory data analysis" is taken as the heuristic approach that begins with data and information and seeks underlying explanation for what is observed or measured. I also cover some of the evolving context of research and applications, including scholarly publishing, technology transfer and the economic relationship of the university to society.