The process of analyzing collected data to find trends is known as what?

The process of analyzing collected data to find trends is best referred to as data analysis. This is because data analysis encompasses the systematic application of statistical and logical methods to evaluate data sets, interpret results, and draw conclusions regarding trends, patterns, and relationships within the data. It includes activities such as summarizing the data, exploring patterns, and identifying correlations, which ultimately help in making data-driven decisions.

While data mining focuses more on the extraction of hidden patterns from large datasets and statistical analysis involves applying statistical tests to understand relationships in the data, data analysis serves as the broader umbrella term that includes various methods, including those mentioned. Data synthesis, meanwhile, refers to combining different data sources or types to develop a comprehensive understanding of a particular issue, rather than specifically focusing on trend detection. Thus, data analysis is the most encompassing term when it comes to the general practice of examining data to identify trends.