Data Processing

Class: JSS One Topic: Data Processing

Definition of Data

Imagine you have a bunch of pieces of a puzzle, but you haven't put them together yet. That's what data is!

Data are raw facts. They are like figures, words, or symbols that have not been arranged or made meaningful. You can think of data as the raw material that we use to create something useful.
(Remember: Data is the plural form, while datum is the singular form.)

Types of Data

Data can come in different forms, depending on what they contain:

1. Numeric Data: This type of data consists only of digits (numbers). It does not include letters or special characters.
   Example: Your age (12), phone number (08012345678), or scores in a test (85, 92).
2. Alphabetic Data: This data consists only of letters of the alphabet (A-Z and a-z). It does not include digits or special characters.
   Example: Your name (John), your school (Hope High School).
3. Alpha-numeric Data: This data is a mix! It can contain digits, letters of the alphabet, and special characters (like #, !, ?, /, etc.).
   Example: Your house address (No. 5, Light Street), a password (Ussm12!), or a date (07/01/2019).

Definition of Information

If data is like puzzle pieces, then information is the completed puzzle!

Information is processed data. It's the result we get after we have organized, changed, or worked on the data to make it meaningful and useful. When data becomes information, it adds to our knowledge and helps us understand things better.

Data can be processed in different ways:

• Physically by humans: For example, when you calculate your total score from different subject scores, you are processing data.
• Using machines: Machines like calculators, computers, and other devices can quickly process data into information.

What is Data Processing?

Data processing is the special job of a computer that converts data into information.

The Data Processing Cycle

The job of converting data into information doesn't just happen once; it happens over and over again! This repeating process of data processing is called the data processing cycle. It's like a journey that data takes from being raw facts to becoming useful information.

Stages in the Data Processing Cycle

The journey of data from raw facts to information happens in these important stages:

1. Data Gathering (Collection): This is the first step where you collect all the raw data you need before you can start working on it.
   Methods of gathering data include:
   • Interview (asking people questions)
   • Questionnaire (giving people forms to fill)
   • Record review (looking at existing documents)
   • Observation (watching and noting things down)
   
   Before you gather data, think about:
   1. What types of data do you need?
   2. How much data do you need (the scope)?
   3. What is the purpose of collecting this data?
   4. Is the data relevant to what you want to achieve?
   5. What is your plan for gathering the data?
   6. What methods will you use to collect the data?
2. Data Collation (Preparation): After gathering, data collation is about arranging and organizing the collected data in a standard and neat order, ready for the next step.
3. Input Stage: At this stage, the prepared data is entered into a device (like a computer or calculator) so it can be processed. In a computer, you use input devices to put in the data.
   Examples of input devices: Keyboard, Mouse, Joystick, Light Pen, Scanner, Microphone, Barcode Reader, etc.
4. Processing Stage: This is the most important stage! It's where the raw data is converted into useful information. In a computer, this job is done by the Central Processing Unit (CPU), which is like the "brain" of the computer. It performs all the calculations and operations.
5. Storage Stage: After the data has been processed into information, it needs to be kept or saved. This processed information is stored in the computer's main memory, also known as primary or internal memory.
   There are two main types of primary memory:
   • RAM (Random Access Memory): This is temporary storage.
   • ROM (Read Only Memory): This is permanent storage.
6. Output Stage: This is the final stage. The processed information is sent out from the computer so the user can see it, hear it, or use it. This is done using output devices.
   Examples of output devices: Monitor (shows on screen), Printer (prints on paper), Projector (shows on a big screen), Speaker (plays sound), Plotter (draws large graphics).

Importance of the Computer in Data Processing

The computer is a very powerful and special tool for processing data, much better than other devices or even humans for certain tasks. Here's why:

1. Increased Accuracy: Computers can perform calculations and tasks very quickly and almost perfectly without making mistakes, unlike humans who can get tired or make errors. They only make a mistake if you give them wrong instructions!
2. Efficient Storage: Computers can store a huge amount of data in a very organized way. You can always access this stored information quickly and reliably whenever you need it.
3. Fast Access to Information: Imagine searching for a file in a huge cabinet—it takes a long time! But with a computer, you can find and get any stored information very quickly and easily with just a few clicks.
4. Handles Repetitive Tasks: Computers can perform the same task over and over again without getting tired or bored. This is something humans find difficult to do perfectly for a long time.
5. Works in Various Conditions: Computers can work continuously and in places that might not be comfortable or safe for humans, like very cold or very hot environments.