AP CSP Big Idea 2: Data and Information Basics

Bit

The smallest unit of data in a computer, represented as either 0 or 1.

Byte

A sequence of 8 bits, standard unit for measuring storage.

Binary (Base 2)

Number system that uses only two digits: 0 and 1.

Decimal (Base 10)

Number system that uses ten digits: 0 to 9.

Place Value

The value of a digit based on its position in a number.

Overflow Error

An error that occurs when a number exceeds the maximum limit of bits.

Round-off Error

An error in floating-point calculations due to the limitation of digital representation.

Analog Data

Continuous data that can take on an infinite number of values.

Digital Data

Discrete data that is represented in finite values.

Sampling Rate

Frequency at which analog signals are sampled to convert into digital data.

Bit Depth

The number of bits used to represent each pixel in a digital image.

Lossless Compression

Compression that reduces file size without losing any information.

Lossy Compression

Compression that reduces file size by removing some information.

Run-Length Encoding (RLE)

A lossless compression algorithm that compresses sequences of data.

MetaData

Data that provides information about other data.

Data Cleaning

The process of removing corrupt or irrelevant data.

Visualization

The graphical representation of data to identify trends or patterns.

Correlation

A measure of the relationship between two variables.

Causation

The principle that one event is the result of the occurrence of another event.

Abstraction

The process of simplifying complex systems by modeling them at a higher level.

Pixel

The smallest unit of a digital image, represented as a single dot of color.

RGB Color Model

An additive color model in which red, green, and blue light are combined.

Compression Algorithm

A method used for reducing the size of data files.

Histogram

A graphical representation showing the distribution of data points.

Scatter Plot

A graph that uses dots to represent the values obtained for two different variables.

Binary to Decimal Conversion

The method of converting a binary number to a decimal number by summing place values.

Decimal to Binary Conversion

The method of converting a decimal number to binary by using powers of 2.

Computer Memory

The physical devices used to store data and programs in a computer.

Electric States

The binary conditions (On/Off) used in computer hardware.

Sampling

The process of capturing data at regular intervals from an analog signal.

File Size

The amount of space a file occupies on a disk.

Geolocation Metadata

Data that indicates the geographic location of a file.

Bar Chart

A chart that presents categorical data with rectangular bars.

Pie Chart

A circular chart divided into sectors, illustrating numerical proportions.

Trend Analysis

The practice of collecting information and attempting to spot a pattern.

Human Bias

Prejudices or preferences that can influence data collection and analysis.

Data Collection Bias

Bias that occurs when the sample of data collected does not represent the population.

Processing Bias

Bias that occurs due to the assumptions in algorithms affecting outcomes.

Garbage In, Garbage Out

Principle stating that flawed input will produce flawed output.

Continuity in Data

The property of data to show an uninterrupted series of values.

Digital Conversion

The process of converting analog signals into digital format.

Data Processing

Transforming raw data into a usable form through various methods.

File Format

The structure or layout of a file that determines how data is stored.

Precision in Data

The level of detail or exactness in data representation.

Inevitability of Data Loss

The recognition that certain forms of data compression result in permanent loss of information.