INFO2.2

INFO2.2

1. Explain, with the aid of examples, the different forms data can take.

   • • Data must be numeric (1) to allow calculations to be performed (1) e.g. the sum of two values is 15 (1). • Data can take the form of text (1) e.g. a file containing a word processed letter (1). • Data can be in the form of moving images (1).

2. Define the term information

   • information is processed data (1) which gives it context or meaning (1)

3. ) State three factors that affect the quality of information.

   • The quality of information can be affected by: • How up-to-date the information is • How accurate the information is • How relevant the information is

4. ) You use the Internet to research information for an essay you are writing. Explain, using examples, why there might be problems with using information obtained in this way.

   • The information could be out of date (1) because the website has not been updated (1), for example census figures from 1991 are being used to predict housing requirements in 2011. (1) The information might be wrong or not be accurate. (1) A photograph that I download might be subject to copyright (1) so I must acknowledge the source. (1)

5. ) A picture is data in the form of a still image. Explain, using examples, other forms that data can take.

   • Data can take the form of text (1) for example names and addresses. (1) Data can be in the form of numbers (1) for example a quantity of stock. (1) Data can be in the form of sound (1) for example a music track. (1)

6. Discuss, using examples, the value of the personal data that is held on social networking websites both to the owners of the personal data and to third parties.

   • Personal photographs will have little commercial value (1) but may have great sentimental value to their owners (1). However data such as names and email addresses and personal preferences could have great commercial value (1) because they could be sold to marketing companies (1) who can use targeted marketing advertisements (1). Personal details can be valuable to criminals (1).

7. Describe, using examples, how data can arise.

   • • Data can arise from a transaction (1) when you withdraw money from a bank account (1) or book a seat on a plane. (1) Data can arise from a questionnaire such as a shopping survey (1). Data can arise from making a purchase. (1) Data can arise from phishing. (1) • Data can be from a direct source (1) where the data is used for the purpose for which it is collected. (1) or indirect source (1) where data is collected for one purpose and used for another. (1) An example of direct data is counting cars as they enter a car park. (1) An example of indirect data is using sales data from a credit card for promotional marketing. (1)

8. ) Explain, with examples, factors that affect the quality of information.

   • Information needs to be up-to-date (1) population statistics for 2001 would be of little use for a report written about population in 2013 (1). Information must be relevant (1). Information gathered from an Internet search may well have too many unnecessary facts (1). Information must be from a reliable source (1). For example using UNESCO website would be a reliable source for finding out the history of a particular world heritage site. (1).

9. What is meant by the terms coding and encoding of data?

   • Data is coded to make it faster to enter into an ICT system (1) as when the airport name London Gatwick is coded LGW (1). Data is encoded on entry into an ICT system so that it is in a format which is understandable by the system (1). Such as binary (1).