Data, Information & Number Systems is one of 10 topics in the Grade 12 Information Technology CAPS syllabus, covered across 3 lessons on Study Vault. Below are real practice questions from this topic with full worked answers.
Sample practice questions
Easy
1. Which of these best describes "data" as distinct from "information"?
Raw, unprocessed facts and figures with no context or meaning on their own
Processed facts that have been given context and are meaningful for decision-making
A graph showing a clear business trend
A summary report used by managers to make decisions
Answer: Raw, unprocessed facts and figures with no context or meaning on their own — Data is raw, unprocessed facts and figures without context; information is data that has been processed and given meaning.
Easy
2. What is the correct order of the data processing cycle described in this lesson?
Input, process, output, storage
Output, input, storage, process
Process, storage, input, output
Storage, output, process, input
Answer: Input, process, output, storage — The data processing cycle follows input (data is collected), process (data is manipulated), output (results are presented), and storage (data/results retained for future use).
Medium
3. Name the principle, often abbreviated as GIGO, which states that poor quality input data inevitably leads to poor quality information.
Answer: garbage in, garbage out — The GIGO principle ("garbage in, garbage out") states that no amount of good processing can fix fundamentally flawed, missing, or inaccurate input data.
