Data processing

LESSON OBJECTIVES

 Explain data processing
 Identify the stages in data processing
 Explain what each stage does

KEYWORDS

1. Data
2. Information
3. Data collection
4. Data collation
5. Input stage
6. Processing stage
7. Storage stage
8. Output stage

PUZZLE

DEFINITION OF DATA PROCESSING

Data processing is a computer process that converts data into information.

DEFINITION OF DATA PROCESSING
CYCLE
The conversion of data into information happens repeatedly. This repetitive nature of data processing is called the data processing cycle.

STAGES IN DATA PROCESSING CYCLE

The stages in data processing include:

1. Data gathering or collection

2. Data collation or preparation

3. Input stage

4. Processing stage

5. Storage stage

6. Output stage

Data

collation

Input

Processing

Storage

Output

Data

gathering

This is the process of
collecting data together
before processing.

DATA
GATHERING

Data Gathering

Interview

Questionnaire

Record review

Observation

BEFORE DATA ARE GATHERED THE FOLLOWING MUST BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION:

The types of data needed
1. The scope of the data
2. Purpose of the data
3. Relevance of the data
4. The plan for gathering
5. The methods for data collection

DATA COLLATION

Data Collation: Data collation is to collect and arrange data in the correct order.

INPUT STAGE

At this stage, data are entered into a device like a calculator or a computer for processing. In a computer, data are entered through input devices such as Keyboard, Mouse, Joy Stick, Light pen, Scanner, Microphone etc.

PROCESS STAGE

This is the stage whereby data are converted from raw form to information or a usable form. In a computer, data are processed in the Central Processing Unit (CPU).

The CPU is the brain of the computer. It serves as the main information processor in a computer.

STORAGE STAGE

This is the stage where data are kept after processing.
Processed data are stored in the main memory. The main
memory is also known as primary or internal memory.
Example of main memory is a RAM (Random Access Memory).

Secondary stores the data permanently. Eg Hard disk drive

OUTPUT STAGE

This is the last stage of data processing. In this stage, the result gathered from processing the data are sent out for the user to see and use.

Examples of output devices include Monitor, Printer,
Projector, Speaker, and Plotter.

ASSIGNMENT

What are the benefits and drawbacks of using computers to process data?

THANK YOU