MbShea@PWP@English@UMCP

ABSTRACT: Data is used in many professions. However, having lots of data is not that useful if the data cannot be organized, interpreted, or analyzed in a meaningful way. Having immense amounts of unstructured data cannot be understood, viewed, or fed into a computer program in order to analyze the data. This is where databases come into play. Databases allow unstructured data to be human-readable and facilitate the process of using computer programs. This is why many businesses and organizations use databases today. In recent years, data science has predicted a teenager's pregnancy before her family knew and correctly predicted Presidential elections over political pundits. Having some knowledge of databases can help anyone working with large datasets or information understand how to manipulate and analyze the data better. However, some people do not know whether a database is right for their organization or profession. This technical guide will introduce readers to databases, database management systems, use cases of databases, and scientific databases. No previous knowledge of databases needed of the reader. By the end of the technical guide, the reader will know if a database is the right tool for their organization or profession. The reader will also know where to go to learn more about specific databases or to get help with databases.
Word Count: 213

READER'S PROFILE: I imagine a scientist reader might be not be convinced that learning databases will be useful to them. The reader might feel that he or she can just hire a programmer or data scientist to do the analysis for them since all the reader cares for is the results/conclusion.

READER'S RESPONSE: I still do not see why I need to learn a database language or understand what a database is. Much of this database stuff seems beyond the scope of work I am in. As long I can note the data from my experiment, feed the data into the computer, and get the results from the output, I have no need to understand what the rows or columns of a database are. Since I only care about the end results, as long as I know the assumptions/factors made during the data analysis, I do not care how the analysis happens or the format it is stored in. If I can hire someone to write the program for me, why do I need to know the process of data analysis.

Voice: Even though I am writing for a technical audience, I will use first person throughout the document when necessary. I am including some personal experience which is part of the ethos of the document.

Citation: I include both a formal citation page and in text citations as well.

S -- good plan. Big data is fast becoming part of most science inquiry. Your document is a good introduction to some of the database nuts and bolts.

Glad we found a document type that fits with your major.