Select the answer that describes the primary purpose of the Analytic Approach stage.

The primary purpose of the Analytic Approach stage is to identify the type of patterns needed to address the posed question most effectively. This stage is crucial because it directly aligns the analytical efforts with the business objectives. By understanding the specific patterns that are needed, analysts can tailor their methodologies and techniques to extract meaningful insights that are relevant to the question at hand.

This stage also involves deciding on the appropriate analytical methods and tools to use, which further ensures that the analysis is both relevant and efficient. Understanding the type of patterns required enables data scientists to focus their efforts on the right metrics, models, and interpretations, ultimately leading to better decision-making based on the analysis.

Gaining clarity around the business question is certainly important and often precedes the Analytic Approach stage, but it does not encompass the full scope of identifying patterns necessary for effective analysis. Similarly, setting up the data model and gathering data are operational activities that follow once the analytic approach is defined, rather than being primary purposes of this stage.