Difference between data and information

The main difference between data and information is that data is the random, unorganized raw fact about something that needs to be organized before use, while information is data that has been processed and organized into a useful context.

Data versus information

Data collection is the first and most important task during any type of research. Data indicates the statistics or facts collected by the researcher for analysis in their original form. But, when this data is processed and transformed in a way that is useful to users, it is called “information”. So, the data is an unsystematic detail about something while; Information is a systematic form of data. The data includes qualitative or quantitative variables that participate in the development of ideas or conclusions. On the other hand, information is a collection of data that provides news and meaning. Data never depends on information. On the other hand, information dependent on data. The data is not specific to anything and may or may not be useful,

Comparison chart

The word “Data” is derived from a Latin word “datum”, which means “To give something”. Data is an unorganized, raw fact that needs to be processed to be meaningful. Generally, it is made up of facts, observations, numbers, characters, perceptions, symbols and images, etc. It may or may not be useful and can be represented in the form of tabular data, data tree, and graph, etc. Each student’s score on a test is an example of data.

What is information ?

The word “information” was discovered from the Latin word “informare”, which means “to shape”. It is described as a processed, organized, specific and structured form of data. Raw data is not as useful as information. It is cleaned and refined through useful intelligence to turn it into information. Therefore, the data is manipulated through analysis, tabulation, and other similar methods that enhance interpretation and explanation. When data becomes information, it is free of immaterial things and unnecessary details. Thus, it ensures understandability and reduces uncertainty. The average score for a specific class or for the entire school is an example of information that can be obtained from the data provided.

Key differences

1. Facts and statistics that are collected for reference or analysis are known as data, while facts about something that are obtained after processing the data are known as information.
2. The word “Data” is derived from the Latin word “datum”, which means “To give something”. On the other hand, the word “information” was discovered from the Latin word “informare”, which means “to shape”.
3. Data based on records and reverse observations, information based on analysis.
4. The data is in the form of letters, numbers or a set of characters on the other hand, information based on ideas and inferences.
5. We can represent data in the form of tabular data, data tree and graph. On the other hand, information is represented in the form of language, thoughts and ideas based on the data provided.
6. Data is a disorganized form, while information is an organized form of data.
7. Data never depends on information. On the other hand, information depends on data.
8. Data is not specific to anything, while information is specific to a topic.
9. The data may or may not be useful on the other side; information is always useful.
10. The data alone is not important, while the information itself is significant.
11. The data is not designed according to the needs of the user. On the other hand, the information is always designed according to the user’s requirements and expectations after the removal of all irrelevant facts and figures during the transformation process.
12. Each student’s score on a test is a given, while the average score for a specific class or for the entire school is an example of information that can be derived from the given data.