What can changing the case of data (upper, lower, etc.) in a dataset be categorized as?

Changing the case of data in a dataset is categorized as a form of data cleaning. This process involves standardizing the format of the data to ensure consistency and accuracy, which is critical for effective data analysis. Inconsistent casing can lead to issues when aggregating data, running queries, or performing matches and joins, as "John", "john", and "JOHN" could be treated as distinct entries. By converting all entries to a uniform case (such as all lower case or all upper case), analysts can enhance the quality of the dataset, which in turn supports more reliable and valid analytical outcomes.

This step is crucial in preparing data for analysis, as it helps eliminate discrepancies that may affect the results and conclusions drawn from the data. While other options touch upon important aspects of data management and analysis, they do not specifically relate to the act of modifying data case, which is fundamentally about improving the dataset's quality through cleaning.