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[Renee Snyder]

Hello!

I have a Ph.D. in Research and Evaluation Methodlogy (in Psychology). When I was in school the most advanced statistics we studied were factor analysis and latent variable modeling (confirmatory factor analysis, structuaral equations modeling). Now that I am working in the business world I am faced with the necessity of knowing data-mining. I currently work for a bank in the market research department and am planning to change jobs soon. Everywhere I look requires data-mining (modeling) knowledge. Is it possible for me to learn enough about data-mining from one of those professional 2-day seminars to be able to actually use the techniques without guidance? The jobs I have been interviewing for would require me to direct others regarding the techniques to use and the business decisions to be made. I can catch on to things pretty quickly, so I hope it would be no problem.

I am in the process of reading Data-Mining Techniques by Berry and Linoff. It's a great book, however, it doesn't really explain how to know which technique to apply to various marketing questions. Additionally, how is the output read for the various techniques? Is it dependent on the particular modeling software, or are there standard things in every program (such as R2 for regression and loadings for factor analysis)?

If a seminar would be enough, can anyone recommend which would be best for someone in my position? My stat background is very strong (applied), however, I have never taken any stat classes from a math perspective, so my theory knowledge is very weak. I have so far discovered The Gordian Institute seminar "Data Mining: Evaluating Methods and Tools" and Technology Tutorial's "Data Mining for Profit How-to, Myths, Secrets, and Pitfalls". Two Crows does not have any seminars scheduled in the near future. Are these any good? Is there something better?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Renee Snyder
Renee@inconnect.com