Data Import/Association Wizards (9.0)
Overview & Context
The Data Import Wizard represents the main workflow for loading data into BayesiaLab to create a new Bayesian network from the variables in the dataset. The workflow of the Data Association Wizard is very similar, however, it associates the variables in the dataset with nodes in an existing Bayesian network. The feature updates described below apply to both workflows.
Definition of Variable Types
The Definition of Variable Types is the second step of the Data Import Wizard and the Data Association Wizard. The order of Types buttons has been updated and now reflects typical usage. What was formerly labeled as “Not Distributed” has been renamed to Unused, which is self-explanatory. By selecting the Unused type for a variable, you simply exclude the variable from being used during the import process, i.e., it won’t be imported.
Discretization and Aggregation
Prior to BayesiaLab 9, clicking the Select All Continuous button would select all continuous variables without exception. Now, clicking the Select All Continuous button selects all continuous variables (highlighted in cyan) except those that have already been discretized manually (highlighted in light blue).
Usage
To start the Data Import Wizard, select Data > Open Data Source from the Main Menu. Alternatively, you can click the database icon on the Menu Bar, or drag a file from your Finder/Explorer and drop it on BayesiaLab’s main window.
If you have a network open, you can start the Data Association Wizard, for the current network, by selecting Data > Associate Data Source. Another option is to click the icon on the Menu Bar, which also starts the Data Association Wizard. Alternatively, you can drag a file from your Finder/Explorer and drop it on the network’s Graph Panel.