What does "Aggregate-level Data" mean?

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Aggregate-level data is information that combines individual data points into a summary. Instead of looking at each person or observation separately, this type of data shows overall trends or patterns in a group.

For example, when studying a whole class of students, instead of focusing on each student's test score, you might look at the average score for the entire class. This helps to see how the group is performing rather than just one person.

This kind of data is useful in many fields, including marketing and health studies. In marketing, businesses might look at overall sales figures to understand how different advertising campaigns are working. In health research, scientists often analyze aggregate data to assess the effectiveness of programs, like those aimed at improving children's health.

However, while aggregate-level data can provide a big picture, it can also hide individual differences. That's why it's important to be careful when interpreting this type of data. It can suggest trends, but it might not tell the whole story about what’s happening at the individual level.