Feature

TL;DR

A feature is an attribute or characteristic represented in a dataset (often a column).
Examples include measurable properties like height, weight, age, zip code, make and model, price, and square footage.
Features provide the raw input researchers use to study relationships and draw conclusions from data.

Definition

A feature in a dataset is a measurable attribute or characteristic of the data.

Explanation

Features are the individual pieces of information (attributes or characteristics) captured in a dataset. They are the raw material researchers and analysts use to examine patterns and relationships among variables. By selecting and analyzing relevant features, one can gain insights into the phenomena under study.

Examples

Examples of features can include things like the height and weight of an individual, the make and model of a car, or the price and square footage of a house.

Age

One example of a feature in a dataset might be the age of a person. This feature could provide information about how old an individual is, which could be useful for studying the relationship between age and other variables in the dataset, such as health outcomes or behavior patterns. For instance, a researcher might use the age feature to study the relationship between age and the likelihood of developing a certain disease, or to look for patterns in the types of activities that different age groups engage in.

Zip code

Another example of a feature in a dataset might be the zip code of a person’s residence. This feature could provide information about where an individual lives, which could be useful for studying the relationship between location and other variables in the dataset. For instance, a researcher might use the zip code feature to study the relationship between location and income levels, or to look for patterns in the types of jobs that people in different areas have.

Use cases

Studying the relationship between age and health outcomes or behavior patterns.
Using age to analyze the likelihood of developing a certain disease or activity patterns across groups.
Using zip code to examine relationships between location and income levels.
Using zip code to identify patterns in types of jobs across different areas.

Dataset
Variable
Attribute