Which term refers to the method of analyzing data trends over time?

The term that refers to the method of analyzing data trends over time is historical analysis. This type of analysis involves examining data from the past to identify patterns, trends, and insights that can inform future decisions. By evaluating historical data, organizations can understand how variables have changed over time and what factors may have influenced those changes. This context is crucial for organizations as it allows them to make informed predictions and decisions based on previous performance and external conditions.

In contrast, descriptive analysis focuses on summarizing and describing the current state of data, rather than examining it over time. Predictive analysis is concerned with forecasting future outcomes based on historical data trends, while exploratory analysis involves searching through data to find patterns or correlations without a structured approach to temporal trends. Each of these methods serves a different purpose in data analysis, but historical analysis specifically targets the evaluation of trends across various timeframes.