CAT Theory June program

What are the advantages of computer-based information systems over manual systems?

Process large amounts of data quickly; improve accuracy by reducing human error; store large quantities of information efficiently; allow easy searching, sorting and filtering; generate reports automatically; improve collaboration; enable real-time updates and access

What are the 5 stages of the Information Processing Cycle?

Input, Processing, Output, Storage and Communication

What is the Input stage of the Information Processing Cycle?

Raw data entered into a computer system (e.g. text, numbers, images, audio, sensor data)

What is the Processing stage of the Information Processing Cycle?

The manipulation of data to produce meaningful information (e.g. sorting, filtering, calculating, comparing, classifying, analysing patterns)

What is the Output stage of the Information Processing Cycle?

The information produced after processing (e.g. reports, graphs, charts, lists, dashboards)

What is the Storage stage of the Information Processing Cycle?

Saving data and information for future use

What is the communication stage of the Information Processing Cycle?

Transmission of processed information to other users, systems, or devices (sending an email, sharing a file over a network, or publishing data to the internet.)

What is data?

Raw, unprocessed facts with little meaning on their own (e.g. 25, Johannesburg, 14 June 2024)

What is information?

Processed data that has meaning and is useful for decision-making

What does "Accurate" mean as a characteristic of quality data?

Free from errors

What does "Complete" mean as a characteristic of quality data?

All required data is present

What does "Relevant" mean as a characteristic of quality data?

Useful for the purpose for which it was collected

What does "Valid" mean as a characteristic of quality data?

Meets required rules and formats

What does "Reliable" mean as a characteristic of quality data?

Consistent and dependable

What does "Timely" mean as a characteristic of quality data?

Up to date

What does "Consistent" mean as a characteristic of quality data?

Same format throughout

What are the 7 characteristics of quality data?

Accurate, Complete, Relevant, Valid, Reliable, Timely, Consistent

What is primary data?

Data collected first-hand (e.g. surveys, interviews, questionnaires, observations)

What is secondary data?

Data already collected by others (e.g. websites, journals, reports, databases)

What is bias in data collection?

When data is unfairly influenced

What are examples of bias in data collection?

Leading questions, small sample sizes, unrepresentative samples, researcher's personal opinions, selective reporting

What are the consequences of bias in data collection?

Incorrect conclusions, unfair decisions, reduced reliability, misleading results

What are the consequences of using incorrect data?

Wrong decisions may be made, time and money may be wasted, reports become unreliable, results become inaccurate, trust in the information decreases

What is an open question?

A question that requires a detailed answer (e.g. "Explain how technology improves communication.")

What is a closed question?

A question that requires a short or specific answer (e.g. "Do you own a smartphone?")

What is a factual research question?

A question that asks for facts (e.g. "What is the population of South Africa?")

What is an investigative research question?

A question that requires research and analysis (e.g. "How does social media affect teenagers?")

What is a comparison research question?

A question that compares two or more items (e.g. "Compare laptops and tablets.")

What is a change research question?

A question that focuses on trends over time (e.g. "Has internet usage increased over the past decade?")

What is data validation?

The process of ensuring data is entered correctly

What is a range check?

A validation technique that ensures values fall within a specific range

What is a type check?

A validation technique that ensures the correct data type is entered

What is a presence check?

A validation technique that ensures data is not left blank

What is a length check?

A validation technique that ensures the correct number of characters is entered

What is a format check?

A validation technique that ensures data follows a required format (e.g. email addresses)

What are the 5 data validation techniques?

Range check, Type check, Presence check, Length check, Format check

What does data cleaning involve?

Removing duplicates, correcting errors, fixing inconsistencies, removing irrelevant data, standardising formats

What are the benefits of data cleaning?

Improves accuracy, improves reliability, makes analysis easier

What is a digital footprint?

The trail of data left when using digital technologies

What is an active digital footprint?

Information intentionally shared online (e.g. social media posts, comments, blog posts, uploaded photos, emails)

What is a passive digital footprint?

Information collected automatically (e.g. location data, IP addresses, cookies, browsing history, device information)

Why are digital footprints important?

They can reveal behaviour patterns, are used by employers and universities, assist investigations, and can affect reputation

What is fake news?

False or misleading information presented as real news

What are the characteristics of fake news?

Sensational headlines, no reliable sources, emotional language, lack of evidence, designed to manipulate opinions

What are the characteristics of credible information?

Author identified, evidence provided, references included, regularly updated, published by reputable organisations

What are the steps to verify online information?

Check the author, cross-reference sources, check publication date, evaluate website domain (.gov/.edu/.org), verify references, use fact-checking websites

What is identity theft?

When someone uses another person's personal information without permission

What information is commonly stolen in identity theft?

ID numbers, passwords, banking details, email accounts, personal records

What are the consequences of identity theft?

Financial loss, damaged reputation, fraudulent transactions, legal problems

What is cybersecurity?

Protecting systems, networks and data from digital threats

What is malware?

Malicious software designed to harm systems

What are the types of malware?

Virus, Worm, Trojan Horse, Spyware, Ransomware

What is phishing?

Fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information

What is hacking?

Unauthorised access to systems

What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?

A security method requiring more than one form of verification

What are the three authentication factors in MFA?

Something you know (password/PIN), something you have (smartphone/security token), something you are (fingerprint/facial recognition)

What are the benefits of MFA?

Stronger security, reduced risk of hacking, protects sensitive data

What is privacy in a digital context?

Controlling access to personal information

What are ways to protect your privacy online?

Use strong passwords, enable MFA, review privacy settings, limit personal information shared online, keep software updated

What is POPIA?

The Protection of Personal Information Act – protects personal information in South Africa

What are the key principles of POPIA?

Accountability, lawful processing, data quality, security safeguards, transparency

What are the rights of individuals under POPIA?

Access personal information, correct inaccurate information, object to certain processing activities

What does the COUNT function do in a spreadsheet?

Counts cells containing numbers

What does the COUNTA function do in a spreadsheet?

Counts non-empty cells

What does the COUNTIF function do in a spreadsheet?

Counts cells matching a specific condition (e.g. =COUNTIF(B2:B100,"732"))

What does the SUM function do in a spreadsheet?

Adds values

What does the AVERAGE function do in a spreadsheet?

Calculates the mean value

What does the MAX function do in a spreadsheet?

Finds the highest value

What does the MIN function do in a spreadsheet?

Finds the lowest value

What is sorting in a spreadsheet?

Arranging data in order (alphabetical, numerical, or date order)

What is filtering in a spreadsheet?

Displaying only records that meet specific criteria

What is conditional formatting in a spreadsheet?

A feature that automatically highlights important values based on set conditions

What is a pivot table?

A spreadsheet feature that summarises large datasets

What is what-if analysis in a spreadsheet?

A feature used to test different scenarios

What is data validation in a spreadsheet?

A feature that restricts invalid entries

What is a column chart used for?

Comparing categories

What is a bar chart used for?

Comparing values horizontally

What is a pie chart used for?

Showing percentages of a whole

What is a line graph used for?

Showing trends over time

What is a scatter plot used for?

Showing relationships between variables

What is a histogram used for?

Showing frequency distribution

What are the 6 chart types and their uses?

Column (compare categories), Bar (compare horizontally), Pie (percentages of a whole), Line (trends over time), Scatter plot (relationships between variables), Histogram (frequency distribution)

What is a database?

An organised collection of related data

What are the advantages of a database?

Efficient storage, reduced duplication, easy searching, improved security, better data integrity

What is a relational database?

A database that stores data in related tables

What is a table in a database?

A collection of related records

What is a record in a database?

One row in a table

What is a field in a database?

One column in a table

What is a primary key?

A field that uniquely identifies each record in a table (e.g. StudentID, PersonID)

What is a foreign key?

A field that links one table to another

What are the three types of database relationships?

One-to-One, One-to-Many, Many-to-Many

What is the most common type of database relationship? Give an example.

One-to-Many; e.g. one customer can place many orders

What is a database query?

A tool used to retrieve information from a database

What is a select query?

Displays records matching specific criteria

What is a parameter query?

Requests input from the user before retrieving data

What is an action query?

A query that changes data in a database

What are the types of action queries?

Update, Delete, Append, Make Table

What are forms used for in a database?

Data entry, editing records, and viewing records

What are the benefits of using forms in a database?

Easier than working directly in tables; reduces data-entry errors

What are reports used for in a database?

Presenting information professionally, summarising data, and printing information