What platform uses event-based data instead of session-based data?

The correct answer is Google Analytics 4. Why is it correct, and why are the other options incorrect? In this content, I have elaborated full guidelines. Let’s begin.

When learning how websites collect and track user behavior, you’ll often hear about event-based and session-based data. These are two different ways to measure how users interact with your site or app. Knowing the difference is key for marketers, advertisers, and business owners who want to understand their traffic better.

Let me elaborate on one important question from the Google Ads Measurement Certification exam.

The Question

What platform uses event-based data instead of session-based data?

A) Google Ads Conversion Tracking
B) Universal Analytics
C) Google Analytics 4
D) Google Analytics Classic

The Correct Answer

✅ C) Google Analytics 4

Why this answer is right

The correct answer is Google Analytics 4, also known as GA4. It uses event-based data, which means it tracks everything a visitor does on your website as a separate action or “event.”

Let me explore the details:

In the past, tools like Universal Analytics grouped all a person’s actions into one block of time called a session. So if someone viewed pages, clicked a button, and made a purchase, it was all seen as one group of actions.

But GA4 works differently. It treats each action like clicking, scrolling, or watching a video as its own event. This gives you a clearer view of what users do.

Why is this better?

• You get more details. GA4 doesn’t just track visits. It shows you exactly what people are doing, step by step.
• It works for websites and apps. You can track users whether they’re using your app, your website, or both, and combine that data in one place.
• It’s more future-friendly. GA4 is built to handle new privacy rules and less cookie tracking. It still gives good info without collecting too much personal data.
• You can customize it. You can set up your own events for things like button clicks, video plays, or product views, whatever matters to your business.

Example:

Let’s say a visitor scrolls on your page, watches a short video, and clicks a button.

In GA4, each action is tracked individually, letting you see what happened and in what order. This helps you understand what attracts people and what leads them to convert.

So, Google Analytics 4 is the right answer because it’s the only one in the list that tracks every action as its own event instead of putting everything into one session.

Why the other options are wrong

Let’s look at why the other answers are not correct when we ask:

What platform uses event-based data instead of session-based data?

1. Google Ads Conversion Tracking

Google Ads is great for tracking when people click on your ads and later buy something or take action. But it’s not made to give you a full picture of what users are doing on your site.

It doesn’t track all actions like scrolling, watching videos, or reading pages.

Also, it’s not a full analytics platform; it only focuses on ad clicks and conversions, not full user behavior like GA4 does.

✅ It tracks ad performance

❌ But it’s not built on event-based user behavior tracking

2. Universal Analytics

Universal Analytics is the older version of Google Analytics. It uses a session-based model, which means it groups all user actions into blocks of time called sessions.

For example, if someone visits your site, watches a video, and buys a product, Universal Analytics would show all of that in one session.

✅ It tracks user sessions

❌ But it does not track each action as a separate event by default

That’s why it doesn’t match what the question is asking.

3. Google Analytics Classic

This is the oldest version of Google Analytics. It also uses session-based tracking and doesn’t have the detailed features we see in newer tools like GA4.

It’s no longer supported and doesn’t use event-based tracking by default.

✅ It was a good tool in the past

❌ But it’s outdated and uses session-based tracking

So what makes GA4 different?

Google Analytics 4 (GA4) uses an event-based tracking model, which means it records each user interaction, like clicks, scrolls, or video plays as separate events. This gives you more detailed insights compared to older, session-based models like Universal Analytics and GA Classic, which group actions into sessions.

GA4 vs Other Analytics Platforms

Event Based vs Session Based Tracking

This table shows why Google Analytics 4 is the most advanced and useful platform today, preparing you for the Real-life Example section that follows.

Real-life example (GA4 vs Universal Analytics)

Let’s say Emily visits your online clothing store. She:

• Scrolls through the homepage
• Watches a product video
• Selects a size
• Adds a dress to her cart
• Leaves without checking out

In Universal Analytics:
All of Emily’s actions are grouped into a single session. You know she visited, but not exactly what she did.

In GA4:
Every step Emily takes is tracked as a separate event scroll, video play, size selection, add to cart.
You can clearly see her journey and find out what influenced her behavior.

Insight: You notice users like Emily who watch videos are far more likely to add items to their c arthelping you improve content and drive conversions.

Relevant resource links

• Google Analytics 4 Support
• GA4 vs Universal Analytics Comparison
• Understanding Events in GA4

Conclusion

The world of analytics is changing, and Google Analytics 4 is leading that shift with its event-based model. Instead of looking at broad sessions, GA4 gives you a closer view of every step your users take.

So, when you see the question:

“What platform uses event-based data instead of session-based data?”

✅ The correct and future-proof answer is: Google Analytics 4

If you’re studying for Google certifications or want to update your analytics, focus on GA4.

I hope you understand the question and how to choose the right option. Now, if you are ready, you can take the exam on Skillshop – Google Ads Measurement Certification. If you want more real exam questions and answers like this one, which have already been covered, follow along. I’ll be breaking down more Google Ads Measurement Certification exam questions with full solutions in the next posts on Google Ads!

FAQs

• About the Author
• Latest Posts

Bhupati Barman( Co Founder of Mite Art )

Bhupati Barman is a Co-founder of Mite Art, as well as an Entrepreneur, SEO Optimizer, and Blog Writer, covering a variety of interesting topics.

• You’ve been hired as a consultant to help an online store owner. You need to complete the implementation of conversion tracking tags into their website. How can Tag Assistant help you with this task?
• How should marketers evaluate their campaigns?
• What’s the practice you’d want to use for turning marketing insights into action?
• You own a restaurant called Ristorante Abigaille in Florence, Italy. A customer finds your site by clicking on your ads after performing each of these searches: “restaurant tuscany,” “restaurant florence,” “3 star restaurant florence,” and “3 star restaurant abigaille florence.” The customer makes a reservation after clicking on your ad that appeared with “3 star restaurant abigaille florence.” Using the data-driven attribution model, what keyword would receive credit for the conversion?
• Which of the following describes the number of times a unique user will see an ad over a given time period?