Difference Between Descriptive and Predictive Data Mining

In this post, we will understand the difference between descriptive data mining and predictive data mining.

Descriptive Data Mining

• It tries to understand what happened in the past by analyzing the stored data.

• The data it provides is accurate.

• It provides standard reporting.

• It also provides ad-hoc reporting.

• It uses a reactive approach.

• It uses data aggregation and data mining.

• It tells about the characteristics of data in the target dataset.

• Questions such as −

  • what happened?

  • where is the problem?

  • what is the frequency of this problem?

Predictive Data Mining

• It tries to understand what could happen in the future using past data analysis.

• It may not be accurate result.

• It is used in predictive modelling, forecasting, simulation and alerts.

• It uses statistics and forecasting methods.

• It uses a proactive approach.

• Questions such as −

  • what would happen next?

  • what would be the outcome if the trends continue?

  • what actions need to be taken?