Data is an individual unit that contains raw materials which do not carry any specific meaning. Information is a group of data that collectively carries a logical meaning. Data doesn't depend on information. Information depends on data. Raw data alone is insufficient for decision making.
2. OBJECTIVES
At the end of the lesson, the students should
be able to;
i. Define Data and Information
ii. State the differences between Data and
Information
iii. State examples of Data and Information
3. DEFINITION OF DATA
• Data can be described as basic facts about
activities of various operations. It is seen as
meaningless fact. Data can also be referred to
as raw facts.
• TYPES OF DATA
• A data can either be numeric, alphanumeric or
special symbol.
• Alphanumeric: T4, 6n, 1A etc.
• Alphabet: a, b, c, d, ………z
• Numeric: 0, 1, 2, ………..9
• Symbols: +, -, %, ?, (), <, >, etc.
4. DEFINITION OF INFORMATION
• Information can be referred to as arranged
array of elements i.e. processed data. It
has meaning unlike data. Information may
however be used as an input data for
further processing. Thus data and
information are sometimes used
interchangeably.
5. Examples of Information
• Traffic light
• Different road signs
• Advertisement on Newspaper, radio,
television, internet etc.
6. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DATA AND INFORMATION
• Data and information are related to each other but they differ in
many ways especially in their meanings. Here are five examples on
how they differ from each other:
• Data are facts while information are interpreted facts
When we talk about data, they are facts that people gather based on
their observation and experiences. They are raw facts which people
gather. Meanwhile, information is what becomes of these data. They
are interpreted facts based on the data gathered.
• Data is based from records and observations while information
is based on research
Most data are just simple records of facts or observations. They're
often written down on a sheet of paper or stored in one's brain. On
the other hand, information is more factual in nature. They're also
more reliable since they're backed by research. Often, they're
gathered from experts such as scientists and researchers.
7. • Data are mere numbers and figures while information give
meaning to these numbers and figures
When we talk about data we refer to the numbers and figures we
often see in our math textbooks. They come in the form of graphs,
timelines, fractions, decimals, ratio and proportion, and many more.
But once these are interpreted and given meaning to they become
information.
• Data lack meaning while information are meaningful
Indeed, numbers and figures alone lack meaning. They can never
tell you something unless they are interpreted and explained. This is
what data are. On the contrary, information are full of meanings.
They're data which are explained or interpreted to be understood by
individuals.
• Data are valueless while information are useful and valuable
Data alone are meaningless. What's the use of gathering them if you
don't know what they are about or what they stand for? Information
on the other hand are something you can readily understand and
use. You can benefit a lot from information since you can apply them
in your daily life.
8. CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD
INFORMATION
• It must be good or relevant for its purpose
• It must be expressed in simple form
• It must be available at the required time
• It must be effective & cost manageable
• It must be accurate
• It must come from a reliable source
9. CLASS WORK
1. Distinguish between data and information
2. Give two examples of data and information
3. List five characteristics of good information
