Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Data & Information
1. Data types
  1. Alphanumeric (text/string)
  2. Graphics
  3. Sound
2. Processing
  1. Structure - how data is organised or formatted
  2. Context - Prior knowledge and understanding
  3. Meaning - Data is within the correct structure and context
3. Definition
  1. Data - Random facts and figures without meaning e.g. 12102005
  2. Information - Processed data
Representation methods
1. Sound
  1. No LOS or fixed position required
  2. No problem for visually impaired
  3. Not useful in large areas
2. Graphics
  1. multi-lingual
  2. can match real life image
  3. Confusing without context
  4. Symbols can mean different things
3. Text
  1. Clear to understand
  2. High level of detail
  3. Language barriers
  4. difficult at a distance
  5. Can be confusing
4. Moving pictures (animations)
  1. Lots of information
  2. Not language dependant
  3. Linear - may require the beginning to make sense
  4. Issues if linked with sound
5. LED's
  1. Can be used in noisy places
  2. Similar to graphics
  3. Need LOS
  4. Combinations will require context
Data Types
1. Number
  1. Real - decimal places or fractions e.g. 10.5 0.0003
  2. Integer - no decimals or fractions e.g. 3, 157
2. Date/Time
  1. Formatted into date/time with variations e.g. US and UK dd/mm/yyyy
3. String/Text
  1. Alphanumeric can be words, numbers or symbols (phone numbers) e.g. 07511 262 756
4. Boolean
  1. Yes/No, On/Off 0,1 values
5. Primary/Secondary
  1. Primary - Self collected for a specific purpose
  2. Secondary - Collected by someone else for a different purpose
Data Sources
1. Static - Information that once published, can not be changed e.g. a book
  1. Greater checks for accuracy
  2. Can be used without computer access
  3. Historical copies can be referred back to
  4. Can be damaged or lost, with only one copy
  5. Takes longer to produce e.g. publishing
  6. Mistakes are difficult to correct
2. Dynamic - Information that can be changed after publishing
  1. Quick to produce
  2. Easy to correct mistake
  3. New copies can easily be issued
  4. Checked for accuracy less often
  5. Need internet access
  6. No historical version
Quality of information
1. Accuracy
2. Relevance
3. Level of detail
4. Age
5. Completeness
6. Presentation
Verification - checks that data corresponds with the original copy
1. Double entry - entering data twice and the computer checks if they match
2. Manual verification - Checking the data against a hard copy
3. Errors
  1. Transcription - adding or missing a letter
  2. Transposition - When you have reversed 2 numbers or letters
Validation - Checking that data is plausable
1. Range check
2. Picture Check
3. Type Check
4. Presence Check
5. Length Check
6. Lookup Check
7. Check Digit
Backup and archiving
1. Backing up is saving a copy to another location
2. Archiving is storing the data offsite, you don't currently need those files but may be useful later on (makes room for new data)
Cost of producing information
1. Hardware - Printers, monitors etc. and maintenance
2. Software - Graphics and documents sometimes subscription fee
3. Consumables - Paper, ink etc.
4. Personnel - Employees and staff salaries/wages
Feedback Loop
1. 1. 1. Output
      1. Feedback
        Input
    2. Storage
      1. Processing
2. Turnaround document
Encoding - changing its representation via abbreviation
1. Easier to validate
2. Security
3. Speed of input
4. Less precise
5. Need knowledge of code
6. Limited number of codes

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	Created by green.george over 11 years ago