Data, Information, Knowledge
Data is facts, figures and words that alone don't have meaning until placed together to form information. Data that is collected together than enables patterns to be seen and conclusions to be drawn. Eg. Weather temperatures listed in an Excel spreadsheet allow for trends to be seen. Data is a factual, non-judgemental and is transient (where figures can be used for different meanings). Data can be in the form of statements, statistics, writing or charts. It is summative, dimensional and valuable.
Information is a cluster of collected data which then contains meaning and is available for use. Information is the process between knowing for the short term and learning for the long term, when information becomes knowledge. Information can be historical such as tables of data or in the form of records such as budgets and minutes of meetings.
Knowledge is when information is no longer rehearsed and repeated but learnt so that it can be expressed without having to revisit the source it originated from. Knowledge is acquired when an understanding of information has occurred and the user can then explain and express the knowledge in their own words. Knowledge then continues to be carried in the mind and can be remembered at a later date. Examples of knowledge include white papers, press releases and marketing strategies.
Wisdom is the accumulation of information through learning and experience. Wisdom is unique to information, data and knowledge as it cannot be bought, may have different meaning for different people and will only be acquired through time and experience. It is the sum of knowledge and experience.
Using these terms in relation to assignment work can assist the student in forming study strategies. Some of these include, the break down of the assignment question to understand the instruction words and individual terms. When it has been established what is to be researched, finding information in the form of facts, statistics, tables and diagrams will assist to create information by the gathering of information. Once data has been collected for an assignment it can then be used to give credibility to ideas presented. Knowledge presented in assignments is when the author can draw conclusions based on the information and data that was collected and constructed.
Workshop Summary
Create a graphical representation of the terms Data, Information and Knowledge.
Research definitions for data, information and knowledge .
Data is:
- Individual facts, statistics, or items of information: These data represent the results of our
analyses. Data are entered by terminal for immediate processing by the computer.
- Factual information, especially information organized for analysis or used to reason or make decisions.
- Numerical or other information represented in a form suitable for processing by computer.
- A collection of facts, observations, or other information elated to a particular question or problem.
Information is:
- Knowledge gained through study, communication, research, instruction, etc.; factual data: His wealth of general information is amazing.
- Is the meaning of the representation of a fact.
- Any fact or set of facts, knowledge, news, or advice, whether communicate by others or obtained by personal study and investigation.
Knowledge is:
- The fact or state of knowing.
- The state or fact of knowing.
- Familiarity, awareness, or understanding gained through experience or study.
- The act or state of knowing; clear perception of fact, truth, or duty.
Outline how and understanding between data, information and knowledge can assist in University study.
Understanding the relationship between data, information and knowledge will assist students in structuring their study habits by creating a focus of turning information into knowledge. They will be able to determine when information has been learnt as recalling it and the ability to explain it in their own words will show understanding. Knowing this relationship can assist in realising what still needs to be learnt and help in reducing stress levels as understanding the process required in obtaining knowledge will help to gain control over what information is absorbed.
Make a list of at least five organisations that collect information from their clients and provide reasons why they would need to collect information.
Telstra would collect information from their customers regarding preferences to call, usage, service and payment types and to provide a service which suits the customer and ultimately creates more revenue.
The government collects a census at designated yearly intervals. Information collected relates mainly to individuals, births, deaths, marriages, living arrangements and occupation. Data trends are able to be established in these are areas such as how many people are employed, what was the size population for that year and how much had it grown? Also how many people are studying, looking for work, what are the current trends in relation to previous years, and for numerous other reasons.
Fast food restaurants provide customer feed back forms for the purpose of maximising income by the way of a satisfied customer.
Universities and colleges ask for feedback about courses, campus facilities and teaching staff. This is in the interest for successful management of the organisation and also improved financial income.
Any organisation which provides a service can conducts surveys to gain information. The organisation usually informs the participant that it is collected to benefit the customer but ultimately it is to improve sales. Services who would gather information from customers and the public include Foxtel, Internet Service Providers such as Optus and Telstra, Mobile phone companies such as Vodafone and Hutchison and Three,The RAC and insurance companies. Insurance companies would quire information to ensure a minimisation of loss and maximisation of profit. Video stores such as Video Ezy and Civic, banks such as Bank West and Commonwealth and the list goes on.
Week 11 Readings
Data, Information, Knowledge and Wisdom
A great deconstruction and explanation of data, information and knowledge. It explains in detail with the use of examples and activities so that the user will be able to distinguish differences and be able to organise their information better. It explains that alone data doesn't contain meaning and is collected on the facts of who, what, where when and how. The 'how' of information and data when applied and the user is able to evaluate i, it then becomes knowledge,
Information Literacy
This site provides information on the development, the organisation and the application of knowledge. It demonstrates how to develop data and information into knowledge it must be classified and organised before it can be fully understood. This site is an excellent resource that gives the necessary amount of depth on this topic to fully understand and be able to apply what has been taught.
Data, Information and Knowledge - Dr Jim Mullaney
Mullaney defines and presents the meaning of data, information and knowledge. He gives examples which outline the meaning of these terms, better than a reference source would. It explains how collected and analyse data produces knowledge that then can be used to form conclusions. Although brief this document gives a clear outline of explaining these terms and encourages the reader to apply this information by asking questions about the reasons for collecting data.
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