Streamline Data Analysis with ChatGPT

Dealing with vast amounts of data can be overwhelming, especially if - like me - you have ADHD and often feel swamped by the information. ChatGPT can help streamline the process, making it easier to manage.

Let's explore three methods ChatGPT can use to summarise data effectively. We'll use a real-life example involving an email thread exchange between a residential building's board of directors member (me) and an adjoining office occupant about a parking dispute.

We will use a prompt called the Alternative Approaches Pattern. To use this pattern, the prompt which you craft should follow the approach in the example below:

Example Input Prompt:

• Please summarise for me X [X in this example = a long email thread on a dispute my building has with an adjoining office occupier], which I've pasted below (you'd include the information to be analysed by pasting in the text, or by attaching a document) and identify the key points.
• If there are alternative ways to accomplish task X list the best alternate approaches
• (Optional) compare/contrast the pros and cons of each approach
• (Optional) include the original way that I asked
• (Optional) prompt me for which approach I would like to use

You will need to replace "X" with an appropriate task.

Example Output:

Chronological Summary

How it Works:

Chronological summaries simply present events in the order they happened. This method helps you understand the sequence of actions and communications.

Example:

1. Jan 26, 2024: I informed Joe Bloggs about revised parking rules, allowing business hours parking only, not overnight.

2. Jan 30, 2024: Joe Bloggs forwarded the proposal to Jane Doe, mentioning a minor issue with his parking hours.

3. Jan 31, 2024: Jane Doe responded, emphasising the need for overnight parking due to security concerns.

4. Feb 19, 2024: I reiterated the reasons for no overnight parking, including fairness and safety.

5. Feb 26, 2024: Jane Doe highlighted the necessity of overnight parking for security and insurance purposes.

6. Feb 27, 2024: I explained the residents' perspective on the parking rules.

7. Mar 5, 2024: I asked for Jane Doe’s response and offered a rental parking space.

8. Mar 8, 2024: Jane Doe expressed frustration and the difficulty of moving her office.

9. Mar 11, 2024: I confirmed a rented parking space is available.

10. Mar 25, 2024: I followed up for a response.

11. Mar 25, 2024: Jane Doe requested leniency until she secures off-street parking permits.

Pros:

- Clear timeline

- Detailed

Cons:

- Can be lengthy and repetitive

Thematic Summary

How it Works:

Thematic summaries focus on the main themes or issues, rather than the exact sequence of events. This method groups related points together, providing a clearer picture of the key issues.

Example:

Main Issues:

- Parking Restrictions: Business hours only, no overnight parking.

- Security Concerns: Jane Doe needs overnight parking due to valuable tools in her van.

- Fairness: Ensuring fair access for residents who pay for parking and upkeep.

Key Points:

1. Business hours parking only.

2. Jane Doe highlights security risks without overnight parking.

3. I offer a rented parking space.

4. Jane Doe requests temporary leniency.

Pros:

- Concise

- Focuses on key themes

Cons:

- May omit some context

- Less clear about sequence

Problem-Solution Summary

How it Works:

Problem-solution summaries identify the main problem and outline the proposed solutions. This approach is excellent for quickly understanding the issue and how it might be resolved.

Example:

Problem:

- No overnight parking allowed, causing issues for Jane Doe who needs secure parking for her van.

Solutions Proposed:

1. Business hours parking only.

2. Offering a rented parking space.

3. Temporary leniency until Jane Doe gets permits.

Outcome:

- Jane Doe is frustrated but offers a temporary solution while awaiting permit approval.

Pros:

- Directly addresses the core issue and potential solutions

- Clear and focused on resolution

Cons:

- May oversimplify complex discussions

- Might miss some details and context

Comparing the Methods

- Chronological Summary: Best for understanding the flow of communication and how the conversation evolved. Detailed and easy to trace back steps, but can be lengthy.

- Thematic Summary: Best for quickly grasping the key themes and issues without unnecessary details. Concise and organised by themes, but might lack specific context.

- Problem-Solution Summary: Best for understanding the core problem and proposed solutions. Focused on resolution and clear but simplifies the discussion, possibly missing nuanced details.

Which approach would you like to use.....?

Conclusion:

With this type of prompt, you can choose a method to analyse large amounts of data, depending on your needs.

For a detailed understanding, I'd go with a simple chronological summary.

For a quick overview of the main issues, a thematic summary is ideal.

If you want a straightforward overview of the problem and solutions, opt for the problem-solution summary.

This type of prompt and the suggested methods can really help to manage the feeling of being overwhelmed, by breaking down large amounts of complex information into manageable smaller parts.

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