Changing data into information
A structure is needed in order for Values, typically letters or numbers. to become Data that has meaning, not just a number or a letter.. In the table below the second and third columns contain either 'Yes' or 'No' but without headings there is no meaning.
| Stef | Yes | |
| Jamal | Yes | |
| Adam | Yes | |
| Kieran | Yes | |
| Dylan | Yes | |
| Sophie | No | Yes |
| Max | No | No |
| Stef | |
| Yes | |
| Jamal | |
| Yes | |
| Adam | |
| Yes | |
| Kieran | |
| Yes | |
| Dylan | |
| Yes | |
| Sophie | |
| No | |
| Yes |
| Max | |
| No | |
| No |
By adding headings, the data becomes information.
| Student name | Present | Absence authorised |
| Stef | Yes | |
| Jamal | Yes | |
| Adam | Yes | |
| Kieran | Yes | |
| Dylan | Yes | |
| Sophie | No | Yes |
| Max | No | No |
| Student name | Stef |
|---|---|
| Present | Yes |
| Absence authorised |
| Student name | Jamal |
|---|---|
| Present | Yes |
| Absence authorised |
| Student name | Adam |
|---|---|
| Present | Yes |
| Absence authorised |
| Student name | Kieran |
|---|---|
| Present | Yes |
| Absence authorised |
| Student name | Dylan |
|---|---|
| Present | Yes |
| Absence authorised |
| Student name | Sophie |
|---|---|
| Present | No |
| Absence authorised | Yes |
| Student name | Max |
|---|---|
| Present | No |
| Absence authorised | No |
A device used to input data or information into a computer, eg a keyboard, mouse, scanner or microphone. can collect data automatically, eg A device that measures a physical quantity and converts it into a signal to be read and interpreted. that continually measure a temperature or a fix-mount barcode reader at a till.
In both of these cases the data collected will be read into a A data store designed in an organised way, making it easier to search for the information you need. for processing. With a structure in place (the database) the data becomes information.
A piece of software used to manipulate data, often used in modelling. are commonly used to turn data into information.