Solution

Data cleaning is the process dedicated to removing inaccuracies, errors, and inconsistencies within a dataset to enhance its reliability. This step is crucial in preparing the data for accurate analysis by addressing issues like missing values, outliers, or erroneous entries. A clean dataset ensures that subsequent analyses and models yield trustworthy results, enabling sound decision-making. Without rigorous data cleaning, insights derived from the data could be flawed, potentially leading to misguided actions. Data cleaning is thus foundational to the integrity of the analysis process. The other options are incorrect because: • Data Modeling involves creating frameworks for data relationships, not directly addressing data quality. • Data Collection pertains to gathering raw data but not its correction. • Data Interpretation is the step of making sense of the analyzed data rather than improving its quality. • Data Presentation involves displaying results, assuming that the dataset has already been cleaned.