Data, Information and Knowledge

Data consists of raw facts and figures/ figures without meaning.

Here is an example of some data : 15, 12, 19

Once data has been organised or processed to make it meaningful, it becomes information.

Data + Meaning = Information

Here is an example of information :

Supermarket A sells a dozen red roses for £15

Supermarket B sells a dozen red roses for £12

Supermarket C sells a dozen red roses for £19.

Knowledge is derived from information by applying rules to it.

We can apply rules to information to make decisions or deductions. This is knowledge.

Here is an example of knowledge :

It is better to order a dozen red roses from Supermarket B as they are cheapest at £12.

EXAMPLE

• Data consists of raw facts and figures such as 9:00, 135/75, 10:00, 135/75, 11:00, 120/60.

• Information is data which has been processed by the computer. To render the data as information, it first must be given a context, e.g. medical – a patient’s blood pressure readings, and to make it more understandable it is put into a table. (See below).

Example

Data 1 63.6, 2 59.3, 3 59.7

Information: These are swimming times in a race Swimmer 1 63.6 secs, Swimmer 2 59.3 seconds, swimmer 3 59.7 seconds

Knowledge: Swimmer 2 is the fastest and consequently wins.

Example:

Data, John’s 01052003

Information: John's Date of Birth is 01/05/2003

Knowledge: John is 18 and so now he can vote in the next election.

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