Detailed Answer in Step-by-Step Solution:

Objective: Find the stage where data imbalance (e.g., skewed classes) is identified.

Understand Stages:

Data Modeling: Training models—assumes data is prepared.

Data Monitoring: Post-deployment tracking—not for initial analysis.

Data Exploration: Analyzing data properties (e.g., distributions)—key for imbalance.

Data Access: Retrieving data—no analysis yet.

Evaluate Options:

A: Modeling uses data, doesn’t detect imbalance—incorrect.

B: Monitoring tracks performance, not initial data issues—incorrect.

C: Exploration (e.g., via pandas) reveals imbalances—correct.

D: Access is just retrieval—incorrect.

Reasoning: Imbalance is assessed during exploration (e.g., class counts).

Conclusion: C is correct.

OCI documentation notes: “Data Exploration involves analyzing the dataset to understand its characteristics, such as identifying class imbalances or missing values, using tools like ADS SDK or Jupyter notebooks.” Modeling (A) and Monitoring (B) occur later, while Access (D) is pre-analysis—only Exploration (C) fits this role.

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Data Science Documentation, "Data Exploration Stage".