What is the process of transforming data into a format suitable for analysis called?

The process of transforming data into a format suitable for analysis is referred to as data processing. This encompasses a variety of activities aimed at converting raw data into a more structured and usable form, which often includes basic operations such as collecting, organizing, and formatting data. Proper data processing ensures that the information is accurate, consistent, and ready for further analysis, which is critical for effective decision-making.

In contrast, data manipulation often pertains to the techniques used to manage and adjust data sets once they are in a structured format, while data cleaning involves the identification and rectification of errors or inconsistencies in the data set. Data refinement usually indicates further enhancing data quality or detail but does not specifically encompass the initial transformation process aimed at preparing data for analysis. Hence, data processing accurately captures the comprehensive nature of converting raw data into an analyzed form, making it the correct choice for this question.