Unit 2 - Chapter 2 (Data and Information)

Question 1

What meaning does data have?

Answer 1

Data has no meaning

Question 2

What is data?

Answer 2

Data are raw facts and figures that on their own have no meaning
These can be any alphanumeric characters i.e. text, numbers, symbols

Question 3

Data into information

Answer 3

To achieve its aims the organisation will need to process data into information.
Data needs to be turned into meaningful information and presented in its most useful format
Data must be processed in a context in order to give it meaning

Question 4

Definition of knowledge

Answer 4

Knowledge is the understanding of rules needed to interpret information

Question 5

Benefits of coding data

Answer 5

> Less storage space is required
M and F require less storage space than male and female

> Faster data input
See above

> Validation is easier
With a limited number of codes it is easier to match them against rules to check they are entered correctly

Question 6

Drawbacks of coding

Answer 6

> Precision of data can be lost (coarsened)
In the example all shades of blue are coded as “blue”

> The user needs to know the codes used
How many of these top level domains do you know?
au, ch, de, ie, pk, fr, il, lk, es

Question 7

Summary of data

Answer 7

Data can arise from direct and indirect sources

Information can be coded as data

This has a number of benefits but can lead to coarsening

The source/accuracy of data has a major impact on the quality of information produced i.e. GIGO