What kind of resource is a dashboard typically considered in data analysis?

A dashboard is primarily considered a visual representation of key metrics in data analysis. It serves as an interactive interface that displays important data points and trends in a concise and easily digestible format. By using graphs, charts, and other visual elements, dashboards allow users to quickly assess performance indicators and make informed decisions without wading through extensive raw data or text.

This visual approach not only enhances understanding but also enables stakeholders to monitor business health at a glance, making it easier to identify patterns or anomalies. As such, dashboards are integral to data visualization strategies, aimed at facilitating swift insights and actionable outcomes.

In contrast, while a dashboard may support the generation of reports, it is much broader in scope and design specifically to provide an at-a-glance view of performance metrics rather than just compiling data for reporting purposes. It is not a database repository, which typically stores and organizes data without the emphasis on visual representation. Additionally, it does not function primarily as a filtering method for datasets, although it may include filters as part of its functionality to enhance user interaction with the displayed data.