Data, Information, Knowledge, and Wisdom
- Data, information, knowledge, and wisdom are separate terms with different definitions, that are commonly confused with each other.
- We can think of each of these as a subset of the next.
Definition
Data
Raw, unprocessed facts that lack context or meaning.
Examples of data:
- Raw test scores and numbers
- Individual frames of a video
Definition
Information
Processed data that is organized and structured to provide context and meaning.
Examples of information:
- Average test scores of students that may be statistically analyzed
- A full video recording
Definition
Knowledge
The application of information to solve problems or make decisions.
Examples of knowledge:
- Statistical analyses of test scores to track student progress
- Investigating faces on a video to analyze an event
Definition
Wisdom
The judicious application of knowledge to make ethical and effective decisions.
Examples of wisdom:
- Devising new educational strategies to adapt to common student mistakes analyzed in their test score analyses
- Writing reports on people present at an event based on a videoTypes of Data
Quantitative and Qualitative
Quantitative
- Data that is numerical and can be measured or counted.
- Examples: temperature, height, weight, sales figures.
Qualitative
- Data that is descriptive and cannot be measured numerically.
- Examples: customer feedback, interview transcripts, images.
- In many scenarios, both qualitative and quantitative data may be used to analyze and improve systems and services.
- For example, a store might use qualitative customer feedback to track places for improvement.
- That same store might also use quantitative financial data to analyze sales and income to adapt prices and finances.
Specific Types of Data
Cultural
- Includes cultural contents, such as traditions, languages, and social norms.
- Used in anthropological studies and cultural preservation.
Financial
- Involves monetary transactions, investments, and budgets, among other financial contents.
- Used in accounting, banking, and financial analysis.
Geographical
- Data related to locations and spatial relationships.
- Used in mapping, navigation, and urban planning.
Medical
- Includes patient records, treatment histories, and diagnostic results.
- Used in healthcare for diagnosis, treatment, and research.
Meteorological
- Data about weather conditions such as temperature, humidity, and wind speed.
- Used in weather forecasting and climate studies.
Scientific
- Data derived from experiments and observations.
- Used in research and development across various fields.
Metadata
- Data that describes other data, providing context and details.
- Examples: file size, creation date, author name.
A digital photograph's metadata might include the date it was taken, the camera model, and the location.
Self review- Can you distinguish between data and information?
- What are some types of data you encounter daily?
How does the distinction between different types of data shape our understanding of the world?
