Why is cleansing data an essential step in data preparation?

Cleansing data is an essential step in data preparation primarily because it helps to eliminate irrelevant information. When working with large datasets, it is common to encounter inaccuracies, duplicates, and extraneous data points that do not contribute to the analysis. By cleansing the data, organizations ensure that only relevant and accurate information is retained, leading to more reliable insights and decisions. This process enhances the overall quality of the data, which is critical for any data-driven analysis, ensuring that conclusions drawn from the data are based on valid information.

In contrast, introducing new data without validation can compromise the integrity of the dataset, reducing reliability. Reducing the amount of data collected may not always address the quality of that data, and confusing data interpretation contradicts the goal of effective data management. Therefore, focusing on cleansing data as a means to eliminate irrelevant information lays the groundwork for robust data analysis and informed decision-making.