Activity #19: Research Definition
What is Data?
Data refers to raw facts and figures collected through observations, measurements, or experiments. It can be qualitative or quantitative. Qualitative data describes qualities or characteristics, such as colors, textures, or opinions. Quantitative data, on the other hand, involves numerical values that can be measured and analyzed statistically. Data is the cornerstone of information and knowledge, providing the evidence needed to make informed decisions. In the digital age, data is often collected and stored in large volumes, leading to the concept of "big data."
Structure
Structure is the arrangement or organization of interrelated elements in a system, object, or body. It refers to how something is built or put together, determining its form and function. In a broader sense, structure can apply to physical objects, such as buildings or the human body, as well as abstract concepts, like organizational hierarchies or written documents. Understanding the structure of something helps in comprehending how it works and how different parts interact with each other.
Data Structure
A data structure is a specialized format for organizing, processing, storing, and retrieving data. It provides a way to manage data efficiently for various operations, such as search, insert, delete, and update. Common data structures include arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, and graphs. Each has its advantages and use cases. For example, arrays are simple and allow quick access to elements by index, while linked lists provide dynamic memory allocation and ease of insertion/deletion. Data structures are essential in computer science and programming, as they determine the efficiency of algorithms and overall system performance.
Symbols
[ ] - Square Bracket: In programming, square brackets are often used to denote arrays or lists. They allow access to elements within these collections by specifying the index. For instance, in Python,
myList[0]accesses the first element ofmyList.{ } - Curly Braces: Curly braces are commonly used in programming to define code blocks or objects. In languages like JavaScript, they define the beginning and end of an object. In C-like languages (such as C, C++, and Java), curly braces encapsulate the code within control structures like loops and conditionals, as well as function definitions.