DEFINITION

Data are raw facts and figures relating to people, places, things and events. Unprocessed, unorganized and discrete (in separate, unrelated chunks). Qualitative (opinion-based, subjective). Quantitative (measurement-based, objective). Detailed. Sampled.

CHARACTERISTICS

DEFINITION

Information is data that have been converted into a meaningful and useful context for use by specific users.

CHARACTERISTICS
Information can be classified according to its content. For example, one can distinguish between factual information, simply describing a single idea which is (perceived to be) true; or analytical, usually based on an analysis of a number of facts. An alternative distinction is between subjective information (i.e. based on an individual's opinion), or objective (i.e. rooted in fact).

CHARACTERISTICS Another important aspect of information is timeliness. Information which is true (and relevant) at one point in time, might lose its truth or relevance at another point in time. For example, population statistics that were accurate in 2007 are no longer accurate in 2010. However, perhaps the most important characteristic of information is reliability. Not everything that is presented as information is true and/or believable. It is important that you become aware that not everything you read is true.

CHARACTERISTICS It is also important that you become aware of information as a commodity. Information can be sold and bought. Moreover, information is often owned by some individual or organization. Also, this brings out a number of issues to do with ethical and legal implications of the use of information technology. For example, issues to do with confidentiality and security are important considerations in this context.

CHARACTERISTICS

Inconsistency. Is the final form similar to or means the same as its original form? Is it complete? e.g. omitted facts, distortion. Incomprehensibility. Is it clear? Is it easy to understand? Subject to interpretation. Is the source/target objective or subjective? Do you understand it or know what it means? Value. Is it important and useful? Is it truthful? Relevance. Is it significant? Is it applicable? Is it current? Confidentiality. Is it classified? Is it private or public? e.g. personal health, a countrys state of affairs. Timeliness. Is it immediate? Is it current? Is it applicable? Can it be accessed quickly?