data mining
the automated (computerized) examination of a large set of observations or measurements, particularly as collected in a complex database, in order to discover patterns, correlations, and other regularities that can be used for predictive purposes. Although a relatively new discipline, data mining has become a widely utilized technique within commercial and scientific research. For example, retailers often use data mining to predict the future buying trends of customers or to design targeted marketing strategies, whereas clinicians may use it to determine variables predicting hospitalization for psychological disorders. Data mining incorporates methods from statistics, logic, and artificial intelligence.