Google Data Analytics Certificate Course 2 Review: Ask Questions to Make Data-Driven Decisions
Course 2 teaches the SMART framework for asking better questions—a skill that separates good analysts from report generators.
Google Data Analytics Certificate Course 2: The Power of Asking Better Questions
This is my review of Course 2 in the Google Data Analytics Certificate: "Ask Questions to Make Data-Driven Decisions."
I'll be honest—when I saw a full course dedicated to asking questions, I thought it might be filler. I was wrong.
What Course 2 Covers
- SMART questions - Specific, Measurable, Action-oriented, Relevant, Time-bound framework
- Understanding stakeholder needs - How to extract real requirements from vague requests
- Structured thinking - Breaking down problems systematically
- Data-driven decision making - Connecting analysis to business outcomes
- Quantitative vs qualitative data - Knowing what kind of data answers what kind of question
What I Liked
The SMART Framework
The SMART questions framework is genuinely useful. I've seen too many analysts (including past me) dive straight into data without clearly defining what they're trying to answer.
Bad question: "How are sales doing?"
SMART question: "How did Q2 sales compare to Q1 by region, and which products drove the biggest changes?"
This framework forces clarity before you write a single query.
Real-World Context
The examples feel practical, not academic. You're thinking about actual business scenarios—marketing campaigns, product launches, operational issues.
Stakeholder Communication
Half of an analyst's job is communication. Maybe more than half. This course recognizes that and teaches you how to extract real requirements from people who don't always know what they need.
What Could Be Better
Pace
Like Course 1, this moves slowly if you have any prior experience. I found myself watching at 1.5x speed.
If you're brand new to analytics, the pace is probably right. If you've done analytical work before, use the fast track option.
Depth
Some concepts could use deeper exploration. The frameworks are introduced but not always thoroughly practiced. You get the theory—you'll build the muscle through real work.
The Most Valuable Lesson
Here's what stuck with me from Course 2:
You are not a report vending machine.
When someone asks for a report or analysis, don't just produce what they asked for. Understand why they're asking. What decision are they trying to make? What will they do with the information?
Sometimes the question they're asking isn't the question they actually need answered.
Who Should Take This Course
- Complete beginners to analytics
- People transitioning from non-analytical roles
- Anyone who wants structured frameworks for problem definition
- Analysts who struggle with stakeholder communication
The Bottom Line
Course 2 is a solid introduction to analytical thinking. The SMART framework and stakeholder communication concepts are genuinely valuable.
If you're working through the full Google Data Analytics Certificate, don't skip this one. The skills here separate good analysts from report generators.
Common Questions About Course 2
Q: Can I skip Course 2 if I already know how to ask questions?
Take the diagnostic quiz. If you score 80%+, fast track it. But even experienced analysts might find value in the structured frameworks.
Q: How long does Course 2 take?
Google estimates 20 hours. Reality: 15-18 hours for beginners, 3-5 hours if you fast-track it.
Q: Is the SMART framework something people actually use?
Yes. Maybe not explicitly every time, but the principle—forcing clarity before analysis—is something every good analyst does.
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