I am a data guy. I made my living, back when I had job, as a researcher and I analyzed data using fancy computer software. I made charts, tables and I wrote scientific papers. Data are truth.
Most people do not know that the word data is plural. But, I admit describing your recent efforts to collect a datum does sound really weird. Sometimes being grammatically precise is not worth sounding weird.
Now that I no longer function as a social scientist, my fascination with data (plural) seems to be focused on me (singular). I must generate data by the terabyte. The challenge is collecting this valuable information.
Somewhere along the line, I discovered the fitbit. The fitbit is great. You hook it on your pocket and it records how many steps you have taken, how many flights of stairs you have climbed and how many minutes you have been engaged in strenuous activities. I think the strenuous activity counter on mine must be broke, but it does show I take steps and climb stairs.
I read somewhere that you are to walk 10,000 steps a day. If you do, you get a message saying “goal achieved”. When you are getting close, you get a kind of “you can do it” message. The Fitbit relies entirely on positive reinforcement. You do not a get a “you are a loser message” if you only accumulate 1500 steps.
With the online site linked to your fitbit, I can generate charts and tables just like I did in the old days. There is no publication outlet for these data so I will post my most recent chart here.
I understand the Fitbit has something to do with being fit. How is this supposed to work? I guess you check your data each evening and if you have yet to reach 10,000 you put your shoes back on and head out for a few laps around the block.
In relating the data from my Fitbit with other observable variables, I have discovered one important relationship. When I actually generate 10,000 steps my feet hurt. Hence, I have decided when my feet hurt I can quit walking. One scientific discovery achieved.