What does metadata provide in terms of data analysis?

Metadata plays a crucial role in data analysis by providing information about other data. This includes details such as the data's source, format, context, and structure, effectively giving context that enhances the understanding of the actual data being analyzed. For instance, if you have a dataset containing customer information, the metadata might include descriptions of each field (like what constitutes a valid entry for a 'date of birth' field) and how the data was collected (such as through an online survey). This supplementary information helps analysts interpret the data correctly, assess its quality, and determine its applicability for various analyses.

In contrast, choices like raw data values, database storage locations, and statistical calculations do not encapsulate the essence of metadata. While raw data values are the actual data points being analyzed, they lack the contextual details offered by metadata. Database storage locations pertain to where the data is stored rather than providing insight into the data itself. Statistical calculations may result from analyzing the data but do not describe the data or provide contextual knowledge necessary for informed analysis. Thus, metadata serves as a vital component that enriches the understanding and usability of data in analytics.