Theory question 101
Information ProcessingPaper 2, Section A: Short-structured questions
(a) Explain the following terms: (i) data processing; (ii) data collation. (b) Describe Data Processing Cycle. (c) State four benefits of the computer as a tool for processing data.
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(a)(i) Data processing is carrying out operations on raw data (sorting, calculating, summarising) to turn it into useful information.
(ii) Data collation is gathering data from different sources and putting it together in an organised form ready for processing.
(b) The data processing cycle is the repeated series of stages that turn data into information: input (collect and enter data) → processing (sort, calculate, analyse) → output (present the information) → storage (save data/information for later), with feedback from the output used to correct or improve the next input.
(c) Any four: speed; accuracy; large storage; automation; reliability; versatility; easy retrieval and sharing; high productivity.
Name the stages in order: input, processing, output, storage.