Data and Information (chapter 1)

Question 1

Definition of data

Answer 1

Raw / unprocessed values that have no given meaning or context

Question 2

Definition of information

Answer 2

Processed data that has been given meaning or context

Question 3

Direct data

Answer 3

Data that is collected for a specific purpose or task and is used for that purpose only.

Question 4

Direct data sources (+ examples)

Answer 4

sources that provide the person gathering data with original data.
- questionnaires
- interviews
- observation
- data logging

Question 5

Advantages of direct data sources (5)

Answer 5

• source is trustworthy since it’s original
• relevant directly to the research
• can be sold after use
• up-to-date
• does not require additional grouping/sorting

Question 6

Disadvantages of direct data sources (5)

Answer 6

• can take a long time to collect
• hard to collect large samples of data
• may not be able to gain physical access to particular groups
• time of year may restrict data collection
• may be more expensive to set up and carry out

Question 7

Indirect data

Answer 7

Data that is obtained from a third-party, used for a different purpose to the original

Question 8

Indirect data sources (+ examples)

Answer 8

Third-party sources that the data gatherer can get data from
- weather data
- electoral register
- third-party sources (businesses)
- research from websites and textbooks
- census

Question 9

Advantages of indirect data sources (4)

Answer 9

• Immediately available
• Provide larger sets of data
• Available for all year round
• Already grouped / modified to make sense

Question 11

Disadvantages of indirect data sources

Answer 11

• Not as reliable due to unknown original source
• May be expensive
• data has to be additonally grouped and sorted
• May be out-of-date