DATA AND INFORMATION: MEANING, SOURCES AND QUALITIES (JS1 NOTES)

 DATA AND INFORMATION

 MEANING, SOURCES, QUALITIES AND DIFFERENCES

MEANING OF DATA  AND INFORMATION

Data comes from the word “datum” i.e something given. It can be defined as a raw fact in which information is produced. Data is represented with characters like (A-Z, a-z, digits (0-9) or special characters (+, --, /, *, <,>, = e.t.c). Examples of data are students data on admission forms, survey data, data of citizens, students examination data e.t.c.

INFORMATION

This is known as processed data which is meaningful to the receiver. Information is organized data.

SOURCES OF DATA AND INFORMATION

1.       The Internet

2.      Patient's Files at the hospital

3.       Printed Books

4.    Radio/television

5.  Students Performance in both test and examination

QUALITIES OF A GOOD INFORMATION

1. Accuracy : It must be accurate to make decision

2. Meaningful : Must be able to be interpreted.

3. Timely : Must be communicated when it's needed.

4. Comprehensive : Must be understandable

5. Suitable : Must be good enough to serve it purpose

6. Must be relevant (appropriate)

7. Must be reliable

8. Must be up to date.

9. Easy to use and understand

10. Must meet user's need.

 

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DATA AND INFORMATION

1.       Data is the input language for a computer while information is the output language for human

2.       Data is unprocessed facts while information is a processed data

3.       Data does not depend on information but information depend on data

4.       Data is not specific but information is specific to generate meaning

5.       Data is the raw material that is collected but information is detailed generated from the data.

Class Activities

1. Define : (a) data and (b) Information

2. List three (3) sources of data and information

3. State four (4) qualities of a good information

4. State two (2) differences between data and information