The confirmatory data analysis is implemented in three directions:
- Apply the results obtained on a sample to the entire dataset
- Proof of hypotheses (e.g. customers with an instant access savings account and a personal equity plan)
- Checking cause-effect relations
With the CDA the procedure is top-down, because it is based on a hypothesis which has to be proved. A tool used very often with the CDA is OLAP (online analytical processing).