Concept of Data and Information
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 Information is a group of data that
materials which do not carry any specific collectively carries a logical meaning.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is data? Explain with an example.
Data is raw, unorganized, unprocessed information. E.g., the information collected for writing a
research paper is data until it is presented in an organized manner.
What is information?
Information is the processed, organized data that is beneficial in providing useful knowledge. For
eg., the data compiled in an organized way in a research paper provides information about a
particular concept/ topic.
What is valid information?
Valid information is something that is reliable. The information that has been checked and verified
for a purpose is a valid information.
What are the different types of data?
Data can be of two types:
• Qualitative data: It is non-numerical data. For eg., the texture of the skin, the colour of the
eyes, etc.
• Quantitative data: Quantitative data is given in numbers. Data in the form of questions such
as “how much” and “how many”, gives the quantitative data.
Difference between Information and Data:
S.NO DATA INFORMATION
Data are the variables that help to
1 develop ideas/conclusions. Information is meaningful data.
Data are text and numerical
2 values. Information is refined form of actual data.
3 Data doesn’t rely on Information. While Information relies on Data.
Bits and Bytes are the measuring Information is measured in meaningful
4 unit of data. units like time, quantity, etc.
Data can be easily structured as Information can also be structured as the
the following: following:
1.Tabular data 1. Language
2.Graph 2. Ideas
5 3.Data tree 3. Thoughts
Data does not have any specific Information carries a meaning that has
6 purpose been assigned by interpreting data.
7 It is low-level knowledge. It is the second level of knowledge.
Data does not directly helps in Information directly helps in decision
8 decision making. making.
Data is collection of facts, which
9 it self have no meaning. Information puts those facts into context.
Example of data is student test Example of information is average score of
10 score. class that is derived from given data.
Difference between Information System and Information Technology:
Information System Information Technology
It is a software used to organize and analyze
data. It is a sub system of Information system.
Its main purpose is to turn raw data into Its main purpose is to help people
useful information that in turn will provide perform their work properly and
useful information for making decision effectively and achieve their objective
within organization or business. within organization or business.
It mainly focuses on providing support to It mainly focuses on improving
operations, management, and decision- productivity and efficiency using
making. technology.
It is generally composed of three
It is generally composed of four components components i.e., hardware, software.
i.e., task, people, structure, and technology. Networks and data.
It works as a bridge between technology and It helps people to utilize and make sense
people. of that system.
It designs, implement, maintain and
It simply incorporates technology, people support information or data within
and processes involved with information. information system.
It includes how people and processes can It includes rolling out new software
support or hinder performance of their updates, troubleshooting problems of
organization, managing computer networks user’s technology, replacing outdated
and applications within modern business hardware, etc., to meet operational
environments. demands.
It helps in implementing communication,
It helps in storing operational data, build and grow commerce and business
communication records, documents, and sector, improve reputation of business,
revision histories. etc.
