Date, Information And Knowledge Flashcards
Information
Data which has been processed by the computer. It has a context which makes it meaningful
Data
Raw facts and figures – on their own they have no meaning e.g. readings from sensors, survey facts
Knowledge
Derived from information by applying rules to it. Using information to make decisions
Encoding Data
Converting information or data into a code for processing.
Decoding Data
Converting it back into a form that can be understood.
How would Male and Female be coded?
M and F
Why are codes used?
- They are often short and take less time to enter
- They take up less storage space on disk
- They are easier to validate
- Searches can be more accurate. A limited number of codes ensure that when a search condition is specified it will be in the same format as the data is stored.
What are the problems with encoding data?
- The precision of data may be ‘coarsened’. For example, light blue may have to be coded as blue. This coarsening may not be apparent to the user if the code is turned back into the colour name on output.
- The user needs a list of valid codes and their meanings to use the system.
- Coding of value judgements will inevitably lead to coarsening of the data since there may be a wide range of opinions and only a limited number of codes available.
Value Judgement
A matter of opinion rather than fact.
What’s the problem with a value judgement?
The problem with a value-judgement is that there isn’t a single correct value. The value depends on opinion and may differ from someone else’s opinion.
Would the following statement be a fact or a value judgement?
The weight in pounds of a person.
A fact.
Would the following statement be a fact or a value judgement?
A person’s build (small/medium/large)
A value judgement.
