Syed: Chapter 9 Databases: IGCSE Computer Science

What is the primary distinction between data and information?

• Data is unorganized, while information is organized

• Data is processed, while information is raw

• Data includes images, while information does not

• Data is stored on a computer, while information is not

Answer explanation

Data is unorganized, while information is organized. This is the primary distinction between data and information.

Which of the following best describes data?

• Raw material for information

• Processed information

• Structured information

• Random collection of facts

Answer explanation

Data is the raw material for information, which is then processed and structured to derive meaningful insights.

What types of items can be classified as data?

• Only numbers and letters

• Only images and characters

• Only organized information

• Numbers, letters, characters, and images

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'Numbers, letters, characters, and images' as all these types of items can be classified as data.

What is the purpose of organizing data into a database?

• To make data more unstructured

• To remove meaning and context

• To provide raw material for information

• To structure data in a meaningful way

Answer explanation

Organizing data into a database helps to structure data in a meaningful way, making it easier to store, retrieve, and analyze information efficiently.

Sarah is trying to understand the concept of data and information. She learns that data can be anything stored on a computer, such as numbers, letters, characters, and images. How would you differentiate data from information based on Sarah's understanding?

• Data is unorganized, while information is organized

• Data includes only numbers and letters, while information includes images

• Data is processed, while information is raw

• Data is stored on a computer, while information is not

Answer explanation

Data is unorganized, while information is organized. This choice correctly distinguishes between data and information based on Sarah's understanding.

Alex is studying databases for his computer science class. He learns that a database is a collection of structured data. How would you define a database based on Alex's understanding?

• A random assortment of data

• Unstructured information on a computer

• Processed and organized data

• Information without any meaning or context

Answer explanation

A database, based on Alex's understanding, is defined as processed and organized data, not a random assortment or unstructured information.

Emily is confused about the concept of data. She thinks data refers only to numbers and letters. How would you correct Emily's misconception?

• Data is raw material for information

• Data is processed information

• Data is structured information

• Data includes numbers, letters, characters, and images

Answer explanation

Data includes numbers, letters, characters, and images. It is not limited to just numbers and letters.

James is learning about the different types of items that can be classified as data. He asks for clarification on what constitutes data. What would be the most appropriate response?

• Only numbers and letters

• Only images and characters

• Only organized information

• Numbers, letters, characters, and images

Answer explanation

The most appropriate response would be 'Numbers, letters, characters, and images' as all of these can be classified as data.

Lily is curious about why data is organized into a database. How would you explain the purpose of organizing data to Lily?

• To make data more unstructured

• To remove meaning and context

• To provide raw material for information

• To structure data in a meaningful way

Answer explanation

The purpose of organizing data into a database is to structure data in a meaningful way, making it easier to store, retrieve, and analyze information.

Data can be anything that can be stored on a computer, like numbers, letters, characters, images, and so on. Information is data that has been processed and organized to provide ​ (a)   and ​ (b)   .

• meaning

• context

• numbers

• letters

• images

• processing

Answer explanation

Data becomes information when it is processed and organized to provide meaning and context, making it more useful and understandable.