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Data and Information
Data and Information
Data and Information
Information
DATA AND INFORMATION
Generally, in introductory text on Information system, information is
considered to be the output from an information system, with data (raw,
unprocessed, collected “facts”) being input. This is very simplistic view and
is often qualified by saying that the information only becomes useful if it is
in context and meaningful.
WHAT IS DATA
Facts, statistics used for reference or analysis.
So data is meaningless.
EXAMPLES OF DATA
Yes, Yes, No, Yes, No, Yes, No, Yes
111192, 111234
None of the above data sets have any meaning until they are given a
CONTEXT and PROCESSED into a useable form.
TYPES OF DATA
Mainly Data is divided into two types:
1. Numeric Data
2. Character Data
1. Numeric Data
The data which is represented in the form of numbers is known as Numeric Data. This includes
0-9 digits, a decimal point (.), +, /, – sign and the letters “E” or “D”.
2. Character Data
Character data falls into two groups.
i. String Data
ii. Graphical Data
String Data
String data consists of the sequence of characters. Characters may be English alphabets,
numbers or space. The space, which separates two words, is also a character. The string data is
further divided into two types.
a. Alphabetic Data
b. Alphanumeric Data
Graphical Data
It is possible that pictures, charts and maps can be treated as data. The scanner is normally
used to enter this type of data. The common use of this data is found in the National Identity
Card.
THE OBJECTIVE POINT OF VIEW
OF DATA
They are factual, resulting from recording of measurable events, or objects.
This objective point of view accepts that data are validated in the sense that
they must be measured and recorded accurately.
WHAT IS INFORMATION
Data that has been processed within a context to give it meaning.
Information is meaningful.
DATA INTO MEANINGFUL
INFORMATION
For example: What does the number 29061996 mean?
Is it:
A telephone number?
For example:
In a football match a red card means that the player has been suspended.
5. Adding context
6. Adding value.
THE OBJECTIVE POINT OF VIEW
OF INFORMATION
Data may be associated with other data, which may be obtained from