2.1.1. Sources of data
Data can be obtained from different sources such as schools, hospitals, markets, the community etc.
- School data range from staff bio-data, students bio-data to examination results.
- Hospital data range from health staff bio-data to patient records.
- Market data range from product inventory to sales per day, month or year.
- House- no of children in the house
- Markets
Data processing
Data processing is the strategy or method use to transform/change data into information.
2.1.2.1. Data processing cycle
Data processing cycle is the stages through which data passes before it is transformed into information. Generally, there are six stages as presented below:-
- Data gathering
- Data collation
- Input stage
- Processing stage
- Storage stage
- Output stage
a. Data gathering
Data gathering stage is the first stage of data processing. This is the stage whereby data is collected and compiled. Data gathering or collection may involve the use of instruments such as questionnaires.
b. Data collation
Data collation is the stage whereby the compiled data is assessed for its originality. This involves editing the various questionnaires to find out if the questions have been answered correctly or not.
c. Input stage
The input stage is the stage during which the collated data is send or put into the processing gadgets such as the computer or other gadgets. Data can be send into the processing gadgets using instruments such as the keyboard, mouse etc