Talk:Data reduction

Reduction of what?
This article covers more a lot more of data processing than data reduction. IMO, it would be better to specifically discuss computational aspects of dimension reduction, i.e. converting input information with a given number of bits into information expressable with fewer bits. For example, fitting data with linear regression or mapping input (say, the common names of birds) into categories (say, flighted or flightless) or by otherwise reducing the number of bits needed to describe the output. The key word in the current article is "simplified". p.r.newman (talk) 15:25, 14 May 2012 (UTC)


 * Data reduction covers different aspects depending on the field it applies to. In astronomy and astrophysics, for example, it concerns the conversion of raw observational products straight from the instrument (so including adverse effects such as instrumental noise and systematics, glitches ...) into a scientifically useable product (the signal you want to study). In that regard, it appears to be data processing but is called data reduction. For what I can tell this loose definition of data reduction roughly applies to most experimental physics fields (maybe others as well but I cannot pronunce myself on that). A "disambiguation" paragraph could present that possibly. Thoughts ? Jiibrael (talk) 07:55, 11 October 2012 (UTC)

Added data reduction example
I added an example of data reduction as taking place on-board the Kepler satellite. I think this significantly clarifies the article. Other instruments would also be fine, this choice was somewhat arbitrary. 2pem (talk) 08:59, 13 March 2014 (UTC)k the
 * Does anyone else think the examples given here are very random? I don't feel like they illustrate the use of data reduction or explain it. Does anyone have other suggestions? Linabeanie (talk) 06:44, 8 September 2020 (UTC)