Topics:
1) Knowledge, intelligence, experience, common sense
2) Data, Information, Knowledge
Topic: Data
What is Data?
We call raw facts and figures data. Data needs to be processed before it can be turned into
something useful. When data is processed, it provides information.
Data is often ambiguous, meaningless or have little meaning until they are sorted or until we
calculate something meaningful from them.
For instance, consider the number 220874. We could interpret this in any number of ways. For
example, it might be: Your class ID, your date of birth (e.g. 22 August 1974), your annual salary,
and so on.
What is Information?
Information is the meaning we attach to the data.
For instance, a red traffic light is a form of data. The meaning we attach to this data
(i.e. STOP) is the information. Information is processed, summarised or
manipulated data that is useful for decision making.
That data is called information which is-
Accurate- collected from a dependable source and entered without errors.
Timely- current and kept up to date.
Useful- useful to the purpose of the information system.
Relevant- presented within a context that gives it meaning and relevance.
Secure- protected from deliberate or accidental damage or loss.
Representation of Data
In computer, data can be represented in a variety of structures:
Tabular structure (represented by rows and columns)
Tree structure (represented by a set of nodes with parent-children relationship)
Graph structure (represented by a set of interconnected nodes)
Kinds of Data:
❑ Qualitative:
❖ This type of data is descriptive information (it describes something).
❑ Quantitative:
❖ This type of data is numerical information (numbers).
❖ Quantitative data can also be discrete or continuous:
❑ Discrete data can only take certain values (like whole numbers)
❑ Continuous data can take any value (within a range)
❖ Discrete data is counted, continuous data is measured
Qualitative:
▪ The dog is brown and black
▪ He has long hair
▪ He has lots of energy
Quantitative:
❖ Discrete:
▪ He has 4 legs
▪ He has 2 brothers
❖ Continuous:
▪ He weighs 25.5 kg
▪ He is 565 mm tall
Forms of Data:
There are various forms of data:
Images: data in the form of pictures, e.g. drawings, painting or photographs; a
static or animated graphic used for illustration or as a substitute for text.
Audio: data in the form of sounds, e.g. noise, voice recognition, music
Video: data in the form of pictures and sounds combined and displayed overtime,
e.g. film clips.
Text: data in the form of letters, numbers and other characters; sets of characters
of strings.
Numbers: data in the form of predefined characters, e.g. integers, decimals,
percentages, currency and dates.
Ways of Collecting Data:
Data can be collected in many ways:
1. By direct observation
Example: You want to find how many cars pass by a certain point on a road in a 10-minute interval.
So, simply stand at that point on the road, and count the cars that pass by in that interval.
2. By doing a survey
3. From indirect sources
Example: You want to know about how many voters are there in a particular area of Bangladesh
(e.g. in DCC area). So, you may collect it from the Election Commission Secretariat or from
Upazilla Election Office of that area.
What is Data Structure?
Data may be organized in many different ways.
❖ A data structure is a particular way of organizing and storing data in a computer so
that it can be used efficiently.
❖ In computer science, a data structure means there is a relationship of some kind
between the data items.
❖ Consider a list of individuals with their name and father’s name who were born
from the same lineage.
❖ We can represent these data either by tabular or tree structure:
Name Father’s Name Grand Father’s Name
Pawla Motalib Akbar
Rasel Kashem Akbar
Liza Saddam Akbar
Ranju Motalib Akbar
Atik Kashem Akbar
Figure: Two different structure of representing same data
Difference Between Data and Information
Data Information
Raw and unorganized Organized and processed
Example: 10, 20, 30 Example: "The total sales are 60."
Lacks context or meaning Carries meaning and purpose
Topic: Knowledge
Knowledge means understanding and being familiar with something through learning or
experience. It includes facts, skills, and ideas, and knowing how to use them in real life.
One can gain knowledge through formal education, practical experience, or exposure to various
sources. It helps people make smart choices, solve problems, and deal with the world around
them.
Types of Knowledge
1. Priori knowledge is knowledge we know without needing to see or experience it. It comes
from logic, reasoning, or thinking things through, not from observing the world. This kind of
knowledge is always true, no matter the situation. For example, knowing that all bachelors
are unmarried is a priori knowledge because it's true just from the meaning of the word
“bachelor.” We don’t need to check it in real life.
2. Posteriori knowledge, also called empirical knowledge, is what we learn through
experience or observation. It comes from using our senses or studying data and results. For
example, knowing that water boils at 100°C is posteriori knowledge because it comes from
watching and testing it.
3. Experiential knowledge, also called practical knowledge, is learned through personal
experience and doing things. It comes from hands-on practice, trying things out, and
learning from both success and failure. This type of knowledge is often personal and can
depend on how someone feels or sees a situation. It’s sometimes hard to explain clearly
because it's based on real-life experience. For example, a surgeon learns surgical skills
mainly by actually doing surgeries over many years.
4. Declarative Knowledge or Factual Knowledge is knowledge about facts and information,
such as knowing that "Paris is the capital of France." It includes Semantic Knowledge and
Episodic knowledge. Semantic knowledge is facts and concepts e.g., knowing the definition
of a word or scientific law and Episodic Knowledge is about specific events or experiences
e.g., remembering events happening on someone’s last birthday.
5. Procedural knowledge refers to the knowledge of how to perform a task or execute a
process. This type of knowledge is essential for problem-solving and is often learned
through experience and repetition. For example, someone with procedural knowledge in
cooking knows how to follow a recipe, use kitchen utensils, and prepare dishes.
Dimensions of knowledge
1. Explicit vs. Tacit Knowledge
● Explicit Knowledge: Explicit knowledge is information that is easy to explain and share
with others. It is clearly written down or recorded in things like manuals, reports, or
step-by-step guides. Examples: textbooks, manuals, databases.
● Tacit Knowledge: Tacit knowledge is the kind of knowledge that’s hard to explain in
words. It comes from personal experience and is often learned by doing. For example,
knowing how to ride a bike or handle a tough conversation — you just "know" how, but
it’s not easy to describe step by step.
2. Declarative vs. Procedural Knowledge
● Declarative (Know-what): Declarative knowledge is the knowledge of facts and
information — things you can state or describe. It’s about knowing what something is.
For example, knowing that "the Earth orbits the Sun" or "water boils at 100°C" are both
pieces of declarative knowledge.
● Procedural (Know-how): Procedural knowledge is the knowledge of how to do
something. It’s about knowing the steps or methods to complete a task or solve a
problem.
For example, knowing how to ride a bicycle, cook a meal, or solve a math equation are
all examples of procedural knowledge.
3. Conceptual vs. Operational Knowledge
● Conceptual: Conceptual knowledge is understanding ideas, principles, and relationships
between things. It helps you see the bigger picture and make sense of how things work.
For example, understanding the concept of gravity, the idea of democracy, or how supply
and demand affect prices are all parts of conceptual knowledge.
● Operational: Operational knowledge is the practical know-how of using tools, systems,
or processes in real-life situations. It's about applying knowledge to get tasks done
effectively in a specific context.Example: Knowing how to use Microsoft Excel to create
a budget, or how to run a machine in a factory — that’s operational knowledge.
4. Individual vs. Collective Knowledge
● Individual Knowledge: Individual knowledge is the knowledge that belongs to a single
person, typically gained through their personal experiences, learning, and reflection. It's
unique to each person and can be shaped by their background, interests, and expertise.
Example: A person’s ability to play the guitar or their personal understanding of a subject
like history — these are individual knowledge based on their personal journey.
● Collective Knowledge: Collective knowledge is the shared knowledge that exists within
a group, organization, or society. It’s not limited to an individual, but rather the combined
understanding and expertise of many people working together. This knowledge is often
passed through collaboration, discussions, and shared experiences.Example:
The knowledge accumulated within a company about best practices, or a community's
understanding of local customs, is collective knowledge.
5. Theoretical vs. Practical Knowledge
● Theoretical: Theoretical knowledge is the understanding of ideas, concepts, and theories
that explain why or how things happen, but not necessarily in a practical, real-world
sense. It’s more abstract and focused on principles rather than hands-on
application.Example: Understanding the theory of relativity in physics or the principles of
economics is theoretical knowledge. It explains how things work, but doesn’t directly
teach you how to build a machine or manage a business.
● Practical: Practical knowledge is the knowledge you apply in real-world situations. It’s
based on experience and know-how, helping you get things done in daily life or at work.
It’s hands-on and often learned through trial and error.Example: Knowing how to repair a
leaky faucet or how to manage a team at work are examples of practical knowledge. You
learn them by doing, not just by reading or studying.
6. Domain-specific vs. General Knowledge
● Domain-specific: Domain-specific knowledge is the expertise or information related to a
specific field or area of interest. It's specialized knowledge that is only relevant or useful
within a particular domain or profession.Example: A doctor’s knowledge of human
anatomy or a software developer’s understanding of programming languages like
JavaScript is domain-specific knowledge. It’s deep knowledge that applies to a specific
area of expertise.
● General Knowledge: General knowledge is the broad understanding or information that
is not specialized in any one field but covers a wide range of topics. It’s the kind of
knowledge you typically learn through everyday experiences, education, or casual
interest. Example: Knowing that the capital of Bangladesh is Dhaka, understanding basic
history, or being aware of global current events are all parts of general knowledge.
Type of
What it Means Focus Examples
Knowledge
Knowing what something
Declarative Facts & Info "Water boils at 100°C"
is
Knowing how to do How to tie a shoelace or solve a
Procedural Skills & Steps
something math problem
Understanding why/how Principles & Understanding supply and
Conceptual
ideas connect Relationships demand
Applying knowledge in Using Excel to track sales,
Operational Practical Use
real-world tasks running a cash register
Knowing how to deal with
Knowledge gained through Personal
Individual stress based on your own
personal experience Experience
experiences
Knowledge shared by a Group Company’s best practices,
Collective
group or community Understanding cultural traditions
Knowledge based on ideas, Theories of physics,
Theoretical Abstract Principles
concepts, and theories psychology, economics
Knowledge used to do Hands-on & Repairing a car, cooking a meal,
Practical
something in the real world Applied leading a team
Medical knowledge, legal
Domain-specifi Knowledge related to a Specialized
knowledge, programming
c particular field Expertise
languages
Broad knowledge across General Capitals of countries, historical
General
various subjects Information facts, current events
Topic: Intelligence
Understanding Intelligence
Definition: Explain that intelligence is the ability to acquire and apply knowledge effectively.
Actually, intelligence refers to the ability to learn, understand, and apply knowledge. It also
includes the ability to reason, solve problems, adapt to new situations, and use logic and
creativity.
There are different types of intelligence, too. For example:
● Analytical intelligence: Analytical intelligence means being able to understand
information, see patterns, and solve problems step by step. People with this type of
intelligence are good at logical thinking, critical thinking, and understanding data.
Emotional intelligence: Emotional intelligence (EI) means being able to understand and manage
one’s own feelings, and also understand and affect how others feel. It helps you see how
emotions can shape actions and affect people in good or bad ways. This skill is important in
many parts of life, like friendships, family, school, work, and romantic relationships. The main
parts of emotional intelligence are self-awareness, self-control, social awareness, and managing
relationships.
Creative intelligence: It means thinking in new ways and coming up with fresh, original ideas.
It's like the difference between a chess master making smart moves and traditional chess player.
Practical intelligence: This type of intelligence is called common sense or the ability to learn
from experience. People with strong practical intelligence can use what they learn to solve
real-life problems.
Topic: Experience
What is Experience?
Experience is the understanding gained from past actions and their outcomes.
Example: A simple, example is cooking a dish.
Note the points: In the completion repeating process : Trial, error, and improvement.
How Experience Leads to Expertise
● The Evolution:
○ Experience starts with small successes.
○ Repetition helps refine actions.
○ Gradually, understanding deepens into expertise.
"The more you play, the better you get. You know the tricks, the challenges, and how to win!"
● Practical Example:
○ Think about a singer’s life. How he became experts through years of practice and
experience.
● Steps to Grow from Experience to Expertise:
○ Start Small: Focus on learning one skill at a time.
○ Practice Regularly: Commit to consistent effort.
○ Reflect on Actions: Identify what worked and what didn’t.
○ Seek Feedback: Learn from others.
○ Keep Improving: Stay curious and open to learning.
The Role of Failure in Gaining Experience
● Embrace Mistakes:
Explain how mistakes are opportunities for learning and growth.
● Can you remember famous failure story, like Thomas Edison’s countless attempts to
invent the light bulb.
Topic: Common Sense
Introduction
● Engaging Question:
"Have you ever made a decision in seconds that turned out to be right? What guided
you?"
1. What is Common Sense?
Common sense is the ability to make sound judgments based on simple, practical thinking.
Common sense doesn’t require deep analysis—it’s instinctive and rooted in experience.
Relatable Example:"If it’s raining, you carry an umbrella."
2. Why is Common Sense Important?
Knowledge and common sense, though closely related, serve distinct roles in how we navigate
the world. Knowledge is essentially the information your brain gathers — facts, data, concepts,
and experiences that are stored over time. It’s what you gain through reading, studying,
observing, or being taught.
Common sense, on the other hand, is your brain’s ability to apply that knowledge in real-life
situations. It’s the practical intelligence that helps you make sound judgments, solve everyday
problems, and respond appropriately to your environment — often without needing deep
analysis.
While having knowledge is valuable, it becomes significantly more meaningful when paired with
common sense. One without the other can limit your effectiveness in both personal and
professional settings. Arguing over which is more important is unnecessary; both are essential,
and ideally, they should work hand in hand to guide our decisions and actions.
Everyday Applications:
○ Deciding when to cross the road.
○ Understanding basic safety (e.g., not touching a hot stove).
“A recipe tells you to cook pasta for 10 minutes, but it’s already soft at 8 minutes. What would
you do?”
4. Developing Common Sense
● Practical Tips:
○ Observe Your Surroundings: Stay aware of what’s happening.
○ Learn from Experience: Reflect on past mistakes or successes.
○ Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to clarify when in doubt.
○ Trust Your Instincts: Go with what feels logical in simple situations.
● Relatable Example:
○ "If a chair looks unstable, would you sit on it?"
5. Situations Where Common Sense is Critical
● Real-Life Scenarios:
○ Safety: Knowing not to run on a wet floor.
○ Communication: Being polite and respectful in conversations.
○ Decision-Making: Choosing the quickest route to reach a place during an
emergency.
6. Myths About Common Sense
● Debunking Myths:
○ “Everyone has it automatically.”
■ Truth: Common sense can vary based on culture, upbringing, and
experience.
○ “It’s always right.”
■ Truth: Sometimes instincts need refining.
● “What should you do if your phone’s battery is low, and you need it for an emergency?”
● “If you’re at a friend’s house and accidentally break something, what’s the best course of
action?”
How to improve one’s common sense?
To improve your common sense, it’s important to develop a broad understanding of various
subject areas. Reading extensively, writing regularly, and engaging in meaningful conversations
with others can significantly enhance your critical thinking skills. These habits help you process
information more logically and make more informed, rational decisions in everyday life.
Common Sense vs. Knowledge & Intelligence
How Is Common Sense Different from Knowledge and Intelligence?
Common Sense Knowledge Intelligence
Instinctive & practical Gained from learning Logical problem-solving
Based on experience Comes from books, training Requires analysis & reasoning
Helps in quick decisions Helps in understanding facts Helps in solving complex problems
Homework Assignment
○ One new thing you learned from the lecture.
○ How you used your intelligence, memory, or learning skills recently.
