Data and Information
Usually, the terms “data” and “information” are used interchangeably. However, there is a subtle
difference between the two.
In a nutshell, data can be a number, symbol, character, word, codes, graphs, etc. On the other hand,
information is data put into context. Information is utilised by humans in some significant way (such
as to make decisions, forecasts etc).
A basic example of information would be a computer. A computer uses programming scripts,
formulas, or software applications to turn data into information.
Data are the raw alphanumeric values obtained through different acquisition methods. Data in their
simplest form consist of raw alphanumeric values.
Information is created when data are processed, organized, or structured to provide context and
meaning. Information is essentially processed data.
Knowledge is what we know. Knowledge is unique to each individual and is the accumulation of past
experience and insight that shapes the lens by which we interpret, and assign meaning to,
information. For knowledge to result in action, an individual must have the authority and capacity to
make and implement a decision. Knowledge (and authority) are needed to produce actionable
information that can lead to impact.
Data Information Knowledge
Is objective Should be objective Is subjective
Has no meaning Has a meaning Has meaning for a specific purpos
Is unprocessed Is processed Is processed and understood
Is quantifiable, there can Is not quantifiable, there is no
Is quantifiable, there can be information overload
be data overload knowledge overload
Data Information
Data is unorganised and unrefined facts Information comprises processed, organised data
presented in a meaningful context
Data is an individual unit that contains raw materials Information is a group of data that collectively
which do not carry any specific meaning. carries a logical meaning.
Data doesn’t depend on information. Information depends on data.
Raw data alone is insufficient for decision making Information is sufficient for decision making
An example of data is a student’s test score The average score of a class is the information
derived from the given data.
Data, Information, Knowledge and Wisdom
I just posted a reply to David McCandless on his blog ‘Information is Beautiful’ on the subject of the
difference between data, information, knowledge and wisdom. David made a graphic based on this
heirarchy of information, and also helpfully pointed out that these ideas have been around for a
while. Here is his graphic:
I responded with some thoughts and an excerpt from Robert Logan, a Canadian physicist who has
just written a book called ‘What is information?’ I have not actually read it yet but intend to soon (it
is not yet available). Here is an excerpt from this book that breaks down these four categories:
Data, Information, Knowledge and Wisdom
There is often a lack of understanding of the difference between information and knowledge and the
difference between explicit and tacit knowledge, which we herewith define in the following manner;
• Data are the pure and simple facts without any particular structure or organization, the basic
atoms of information,
• Information is structured data, which adds meaning to the data and gives it context and
significance,
• Knowledge is the ability to use information strategically to achieve one’s objectives,
• Wisdom is the capacity to choose objectives consistent with one’s values within a larger social
context.
(Robert Logan, What is Information?, 2010)
Here is a quick graphic I just made (and not nearly as nice as McCandless’ but maybe I will give it a bit
more attention later). I flipped the triangle because data is reductive. Wisdom is holistic.
The four levels of knowing (Data, Information, Knowledge and Wisdom) are similar to Gregory
Bateson’s influential work ‘The Logical Categories of Learning and Communication’ published first in
1964 and then included in his book Steps to an Ecology of Mind (1972).
