3.2 Data and Information

3.2 Data and Information

Overview

Understand the difference between information and data.

Discuss features important in form design such as: use of tick boxes, colour, font, position, instructions.

Identify advantages, disadvantages and applications for OMR and OCR.

Data

Data is raw facts and figures.Data does not have meaning.

Examples:5

JohnA

Information

Information is processed data that gives it meaning.

Examples:There are 5 cows in the field.My brother’s name is John.

Gathering information

Method• Questionnaire• Observation• Reading documentation• Interview

Gathering information

Source• Paper based• Computer based• Automated data capture

Sources comparedPaper based Computer based Automated data capture

Humans enter the data Direct data capture method

Collected data is keyed into a computer

Data typed in directly onto an on-line form

Two methods available OCR and OMR

Prone to human error Less human error No processing errors

Instructions need to be clear

Marks need to be entered carefully

Time consuming if large volumes of data

Can cope with large volumes of data

Can cope with large volumes of data

Font Instructions Colour Images Positioning Method of answering

Size Title Suitability Suitability Does not obscure

Space required

Intended audience

Prompts purpose Clarity Logical order Use of tick boxes

Clarity Purpose

Help

For each of the following features state the importance of considering them in form design.

Samples of forms

OMRAdvantages• Direct data capture method• High speed reading of large

volumes of data• Accurate: No processing

errors• Results can be processed

quickly• Very little staff training

required

Disadvantages• Forms require pre-printed

boxes• Forms need to be carefully

filled in• Requires specialised machinery to read the forms• A paper based system so

forms need to be carefullyhandled

Sample OMR form

OCR

Advantages

• Large quantities of text can be input quickly

• A paper based form can be turned into an electronic one

• It can read handwriting

Disadvantages• Handwriting needs to be

learnt by the computer• Systems are expensive

Applications

OMR• National lottery• School attendance mark

sheets

OCR• Letter sorting• Digitising old books

Acronyms

• OCR Optical Character Recognition• OMR Optical Mark Recognition