Data is raw, unorganized facts that need to be processed. Data can be something simple and seemingly random and useless until it is organized. Example: Each student’s test score is one piece of data.
When data is processed, organized, structured or presented in a given context so as to make it useful, it is called information. It is anything that is communicated. Example: The average score of a class or of the entire school is information that can be derived from the given data.
Difference between data and information: There are many differences between data and information. Some are given below –
Data
- Data is the raw materials from which information is generated.
- Data appear in form of text number, figure, audio, video, image or any combination of these.
- Data may or may not use to the decision maker and data must be processed to have become useful.
- There are many ways to collect data. For example, Summary, internet, interview.
- We can compare data as a raw material to produced information.
- Data expressed in a disorganized and inconsistent way
Information
- When we process data and convert into a form that is useful and meaningful to decision makers it becomes information.
- After processing data into a meaningful form it becomes information.
- Decision maker uses the information to make a decision.
- Human beings apply facts principle, knowledge, experience, the solution to convert data into information.
- We can compare information as finished goods.
- Information express and organized way.
