AS & A Level Information Technology 9626 · Topic 1

Data processing and information: past paper questions

279 real questionsasked in 10 of the last 10 exam series2019–2025usually: Describe, Explain, Discuss, Give, Compare

Real questions on data processing and information

The newest 20 of 279 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.

9626/11 · October/November 2025 · Q1a[1]
Describe what is meant by data.
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9626/11 · October/November 2025 · Q1b[1]
Describe what is meant by information.
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9626/11 · October/November 2025 · Q2a[3]
Describe the benefits of using direct data in this context.
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9626/11 · October/November 2025 · Q2b[3]
Describe the drawbacks of using direct data in this context.
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9626/11 · October/November 2025 · Q10[6]
A space rocket uses a guidance system. Describe how this guidance system uses real-time processing.
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9626/12 · October/November 2025 · Q1[3]
A train timetable is published every six months. State three factors that could affect the quality of this information.
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9626/12 · October/November 2025 · Q2[3]
Describe how a control total is used to verify data.
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9626/12 · October/November 2025 · Q11[2]
Describe what is meant by the term FLOPS.
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9626/13 · October/November 2025 · Q1a[1]
Describe what is meant by data.
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9626/13 · October/November 2025 · Q1b[1]
Describe what is meant by information.
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9626/13 · October/November 2025 · Q2a[3]
Describe the benefits of using direct data in this context.
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9626/13 · October/November 2025 · Q2b[3]
Describe the drawbacks of using direct data in this context.
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9626/13 · October/November 2025 · Q10[6]
A space rocket uses a guidance system. Describe how this guidance system uses real-time processing.
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9626/13 · October/November 2025 · Q12[2]
Describe what is meant by the term MIPS.
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9626/32 · October/November 2025 · Q1b[4]
Describe how autonomous transport systems could be used in healthcare.
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9626/32 · October/November 2025 · Q4[6]
Discuss the impact of the Internet of Things (IoT) on individuals.
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9626/11 · May/June 2025 · Q1[2]
A teacher is collecting information from her students about what items they recycle. Describe two factors that can affect the quality of the information gathered in this scenario. Factor Factor
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9626/11 · May/June 2025 · Q7b[6]
Describe how the data from the sensors can be processed.
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9626/13 · May/June 2025 · Q1[4]
Observation is one method of collecting direct data. Identify and describe two other ways of collecting direct data. Way Description Way Description
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9626/31 · May/June 2025 · Q3b[2]
The table shows the internet protocol (IP) address of each laptop. Laptop Internet protocol (IP) address A 192.168.1.102 B 192.168.1.124 C 192.168.2.102 D 192.168.1.133 E 192.168.1.123 Explain why laptop C may be unable to communicate directly with the other four laptops.
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What examiners said

This first question assessed candidates’ understanding of the difference between data and information. Candidates had to show how specific items of data could become information and support their arguments with examples. This question proved to be extremely accessible for the vast majority of candidates. Marks were scored well here and it is clear that this is a concept with which candidate are v...
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 9626/12 Q1 (Cambridge)

This question was based on the short comings of using visual checking as a method of verification. The vast majority of candidates understood what visual checking was, with a significant proportion of that vast majority being able to provide a clear answer that achieved two marks. Candidates who failed to achieve marks usually did so because they gave a definition of visual checking, rather than...
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 9626/12 Q2 (Cambridge)

Question five focussed on validation checks that could be applied to two separate items of data. Candidates were asked to justify additional validation checks that could be applied to the two separate items of data. Candidates were informed that presence checks had already been applied. In questions such as this, context is important. For example, a student number is unlikely to be validated with...
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 9626/12 Q5 (Cambridge)

Practise this topic

Answer these questions online and get each one marked against the official mark scheme, with what you missed and how to fix it.

Practise data processing and information

In the syllabus

1.1 Data and information

Differences between data and information, including: – identifying that data becomes information through context and meaning
Uses of direct and indirect data and their suitability for given purposes
Sources of direct data, for example: – questionnaires – interviews – data logging – observation
Sources of indirect data, for example: – weather data – census data – electoral register – businesses collecting personal information when used by third parties – research from textbooks, journals and websites
Advantages and disadvantages of direct and indirect data

1.2 Quality of information

Factors that affect the quality of information, for example: – accuracy – relevance – age – level of detail – completeness of information

1.3 Encryption

The need for encryption
Methods of encryption, including: – symmetric (using private key only) – asymmetric (using private and public keys)
Encryption protocols, including: – the purpose of Transport Layer Security (TLS)/Secure Socket Layer (SSL) and Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) – the use of TLS/SSL and IPsec in client server communication
Uses of encryption, including: – protection of data – systems encryption
Advantages and disadvantages of different protocols and methods of encryption

1.4 Checking the accuracy of data

Methods and uses of validation and verification, including: – validation: ○ presence check ○ range check ○ type check ○ length check ○ format check ○ check digit ○ lookup check ○ consistency check ○ limit check – verification: ○ visual checking and double data entry ○ parity check ○ checksum ○ hash total ○ control total
The difference between validation and verification
The need for both validation and verification
Advantages and disadvantages of validation and verification

1.5 Data processing

Methods and uses of batch processing, including: – utility bills – credit card and debit card accounts – customer accounts – master and transaction files and their use in payroll and customer orders – the steps involved in sequentially updating a master file using a transaction file
Methods and uses of online processing, including the steps involved in carrying out: – electronic funds transfer – automatic stock control – electronic data interchange (exchange) – business-to-business buying and selling – online shopping
Methods and uses of real-time processing systems where the output affects the input, including: – microprocessor-controlled/computer-controlled systems, including: ○ greenhouses ○ central heating systems ○ air conditioning systems ○ burglar alarms ○ control of traffic/pedestrian flow/smart motorways ○ car park barriers ○ traffic lights – wireless sensor and actuator networks, including: ○ smart homes ○ guidance systems (for space rockets, etc.) ○ autonomous vehicles (including aircraft, cars/automobiles, drones and ships)
Write an algorithm to show the steps involved in different methods of processing (see 4.1)
Advantages and disadvantages of different methods of data processing

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