TOPIC: DATA AND INFORMATION

Data is raw, unorganized or unprocessed facts that need to be processed. Data can be something simple
and seemingly random and useless until it is organized.

Types of Data
1. Qualitative data: Qualitative data is descriptive information (it describes something)

2. Quantity data: Quantitative data is numerical information (numbers). Quantitative data can also
be Discrete or Continuous:
a. Continuous data: Continuous data can take any value (within a range). Continuous data is also
measured data.
b. Discrete data: Discrete data can only take certain values (like whole numbers). Discrete data is
counted data.

Examples of Data
Below are examples of data
1. numbers,
2. name of thing, place or animal
3. words.
4. Measurements,
5. observations or
6. Descriptions of things.

Sources of Data
Data can come from different sources depending on the importance of the data. The process of getting
data is called data gathering or collection process

Below are sources of data

1. Television
2. Internet
3. Articles containing original research data
4. Government documents and publicrecords
5. Newspaper and magazine clippings
6. Textbooks
7. Biographies

Information
Information can be defined as a processed data that is meaningful to the user. Information can be used in
the decision-making process. Information can be processed or collected in a specified area.

Example of Information
Below are examples of information:
1. Student ID card
*: 2. Weather reports
3. Student's Report card
4. international passport
5. Utility bills e.g. PHCN, Water bill, waste Management etc.
Sources of information
Information can be in gotten from
1. Internet
2. Database
3. Magazine/newspaper
4. Census board

Data Handling
Data handling in the process of ensuring that research data stored, archived or disposed off in a safe and
secure manner during and after the conclusion of a research project. Data handling is important in ensuring
the integrity of research data since it addresses concerns related to confidentiality, security, and
preservation retention of research data. Proper planning for data handling can also result in efficient and
economical storage, retrieval, and disposal of data.

Some issues to consider when handling data electronically include the following:
1. Protect systems and individual files with login and passwords
2. Manage access rights (in the case of computer system administrators not involved in the project
their access rights could be limited)
3. Regularly update virus protection to prevent vulnerability of data
4. Limit physical access to equipment and storage media (for example, in the case of data stored on a
computer using a stand- alone computer may be secure than a networked, computer)
5. Accurate data removal from old hardware and certification that the data was removed
6. Ensure data recoverability in case of emergencies
7. Regularly update electronic storage media to avoid outdated storage/retrieval devices
8. Backup multiple copies in secured multiple locations
9. Encrypt files when wireless devices are used, and keep track of wireless connectivity to prevent
accidental file sharing.
10. Record date and time when a piece of electronic data was originally recorded to prevent
alteration or manipulation at a future date

Ways of handling data

Data handling issues encompass both electronic as well as

1. Electronic Methods: Electronic systems include computer workstations and laptops, personal digital
assistants (PDA), storage media such as videotape, diskette, CD, DVD, memory om cards, and other
electronic instrumentation. These systems may be used for storage, archival, sharing, and disposing off
data, and therefore, require adequate planning at the start of a research project so that issues related to
data integrity can be analyzed and addressed early on. In the case of data handled electronically, data
integrity is about primary concern to ensure that recorded data is not altered, erased, lost or accessed by
unauthorized users.

2. Non-Electronic methods: Non-electronic systems include paper files, journals, and laboratory
notebooks.