Profiling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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profiling
[ˈprɒfaɪlɪŋ ]
Definition
data analysis
Profiling refers to the analysis of a person's behavior, characteristics, or performance based on data gathered over time. It is commonly used in various fields such as security, marketing, and law enforcement to create a detailed picture of an individual's traits or tendencies. Profiling can help to identify patterns and predict future behavior, often by analyzing demographics, interests, and previous actions. However, it raises ethical concerns regarding privacy and discrimination.
Synonyms
analysis, assessment, characterization, evaluation.
Examples of usage
- The police used profiling to narrow down suspects.
- Customer profiling allowed the company to tailor their advertisements.
- Profiling can sometimes lead to unfair assumptions about individuals.
- Data profiling helps in improving database quality.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Psychological profiling is often used in criminal investigations to predict a suspect's behavior and characteristics.
- This technique can also apply to understanding customer behavior in marketing, helping businesses predict what products people might like.
Technology
- In the digital world, profiling helps companies collect data about users to tailor advertisements and improve services.
- Social media platforms use profiling algorithms to suggest content based on users' interests and interactions.
Controversies
- Profiling, especially in law enforcement, can be controversial as it may lead to discrimination based on race or appearance.
- There are legal and ethical debates about the balance between safety and the right to privacy regarding profiling practices.
Pop Culture
- Profiling is a popular theme in crime shows and movies, where detectives use behavioral clues to catch criminals.
- Books like 'Mindhunter' explore the real-life techniques used by FBI profilers to understand serial killers.
Origin of 'profiling'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'profiling' comes from the word 'profile,' originally meaning a sketch or outline of a person's face.
- It was first used in the early 20th century in the criminal justice field to describe the practice of creating suspect profiles based on behavioral patterns.
The term 'profiling' originated from the word 'profile', which derives from the Italian word 'profilo', meaning 'outline' or 'shadow'. The use of the term as a noun in the early 19th century referred to a delineation of shapes or outlines, particularly in drawing. By the late 20th century, 'profiling' began to take on its modern connotations, especially in relation to behavioral science and data analysis. It became widely used in law enforcement to describe methods of identifying suspects based on statistical data and behavioral patterns. As technology advanced, the concept of profiling expanded to include various forms of data analytics, affecting areas such as marketing, where consumer profiles are created based on purchasing behavior and online activity.