Data, Information and Knowledge

DATA, INFORMATION AND KNOWLEDGE

by Antonio C. Antonio

January 23, 2015

Data, information and knowledge on any conceivable event, phenomenon, study, etc. accounts for a more educated and better understanding of the problems and challenges within the sphere of human life and existence.  Let us first define, characterize and differentiate data, information and knowledge since these terms are seemingly broad and general or even vague to some.

DATA – Data are facts and statistics collected together to be used as reference or analysis.  Data are the quantities, characters, or symbols on which operations are performed by a computer, being stored and transmitted in the form of electrical signals and recorded on magnetic, optical, or mechanical recording media.  Data are also things known or assumed as facts, making the basis of reasoning or calculation.  Data, by themselves, are useless unless transformed in a way that they become useful to the decision-making process.

INFORMATION – Information is (1) data that is processes; (2) has perceived value for decision making; and, (3) is knowledge contained in a message.  Information are facts provided or learned about something or someone and is about something that is conveyed or represented by a particular arrangement or sequence of things.

KNOWLEDGE – Knowledge are facts, information, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education and the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject.  It is also the awareness or familiarity gained by experience of a fact or situation.

These elements (data, information and knowledge) are essential in understanding a particular study objectively.  They actually can be considered as management tools in coming up with logical solutions and resolutions to problems… without which nothing can be resolved.  This is the primary importance of data, information and knowledge.

Just my little thoughts…

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