Date, Information And Knowledge

Question 0

Information

Answer 0

Data which has been processed by the computer. It has a context which makes it meaningful

Question 1

Data

Answer 1

Raw facts and figures – on their own they have no meaning e.g. readings from sensors, survey facts

Question 2

Knowledge

Answer 2

Derived from information by applying rules to it. Using information to make decisions

Question 3

Encoding Data

Answer 3

Converting information or data into a code for processing.

Question 4

Decoding Data

Answer 4

Converting it back into a form that can be understood.

Question 5

How would Male and Female be coded?

Answer 5

M and F

Question 6

Why are codes used?

Answer 6

• 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.

Question 7

What are the problems with encoding data?

Answer 7

• 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.

Question 8

Value Judgement

Answer 8

A matter of opinion rather than fact.

Question 9

What’s the problem with a value judgement?

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

Would the following statement be a fact or a value judgement?

The weight in pounds of a person.

Answer 10

A fact.

Question 11

Would the following statement be a fact or a value judgement?

A person’s build (small/medium/large)

Answer 11

A value judgement.