DA0-002 Data Analysis Practice Question
In time series decomposition, a data analyst separates a retail sales series into trend, seasonal, and residual components. After decomposition, the residual component shows no pattern and is random. Which of the following best describes the seasonal component?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Regular patterns that repeat at fixed intervals.
Seasonality refers to regular, periodic patterns that repeat at fixed intervals (e.g., monthly, quarterly).
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Cyclical variations lasting more than a year.
Why it's wrong here
Cyclical patterns are longer-term and not fixed, but here we distinguish from seasonality.
- ✗
Irregular fluctuations that cannot be predicted.
Why it's wrong here
That describes residual/random component.
- ✓
Regular patterns that repeat at fixed intervals.
Why this is correct
Correct: seasonality is regular periodic patterns.
- ✗
A long-term increase or decrease in sales.
Why it's wrong here
That describes trend.
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