Association analysis and association rules in exploring the choices made by students from elective courses. Application of Apriori algorithm

This article discusses the possibilities and advantages of the association analysis method, belonging to Data Mining, in problems relating to choices made by students from elective courses. Such choices are possible when students can freely choose several courses from separate groups of elective courses. The association analysis method and the construction of association rules are briefly described. Particular attention was paid to the Apriori algorithm. It constitutes one of the most popular algorithms for the association analysis and the construction of association rules. The Apriori algorithm in an orderly and logical manner performs necessary actions as well as accessibly, transparently and understandably reflects the concept of the association analysis and the construction of association rules. The considerations are illustrated using an example of choices made by students from elective courses conducted within the educational path called “Data Mining Certificate Program” at the Faculty of Economic Sciences, Univerity of Warsaw, in cooperation with SAS Institute Polska. The discussed issue of elective courses selection was explored using SAS Enterprise Miner software from SAS Institute Inc. U.S. – the article provides a very short presentation of its functionality, possibilities of performing the association analysis and the construction of association rules, as well as interpretation of the analysis results.