Data V/S Information – Detailed Comparison

Whatever is being discussed or researched, data and information are two important components. Negotiations start with data or information collection, therefore, some of the people assume both are same. Data, as well as information, plays a significant role in analysis and assumption. Data is a term usually used for a variety of purposes. In normal perspective, it is used for facts collection though survey or research.

Data and information are two different things but could be used interchangeably. Data is a collection of facts and figures. Once data is successfully collected and afterward processed to make it valuable for the users. After processing and successful transformation, it is known as information. Data v/s information is actually a detailed comparison to understand key differences in detail.

Data V/S Information

This detailed comparison will cover the significant differences between data and information.

What is Data?

Data is a raw material that includes anything like character, number, text, words, pictures, and videos. It doesn’t leave any context, mean not much useful for a human. It is defined as

“Data is a collection of raw facts and figures that could be transformed and processed”

“Unorganized and raw facts that required to be processed are known as data”

Data is a term derived from Latin word “datum”. Datum means “something given”. There are two main types of data that are’:

1. Primary Data
2. Secondary Data

Data is an ultimate requirement for any business.

What is Information?

The processed, structured, organized and specified form of data is known as information. Information enhances the reliability of data by providing complete meaning. Information is easily understandable and decreases improbability. Once data is successfully processed and transferred to information it gets free from all irrelevant details.

The word information is derived from a Latin word “informare”. The meaning of informare is “give from to”. Information has more worth and is more explainable to all. Therefore, researchers after completing their analysis spend time in processing to transform the facts and collect information.

Comparison View Data v/s Information

Data	Information
Data is a collection of facts and figures composed of analysis, research and study randomly	Authentic facts provided by someone. The processed data after elimination of irrelevant details
Data is always in the raw form	Information is well-structured and analyzed
In case of data quantitative & qualitative variables could be used for assumptions and conclusions	Information is a comprehensive group of data that hold some meaning
Data could be in the form of letters, integers and set of characters	Information is in the form of ideas, conclusion, and suggestions
Data is collected through experiments, research, and measurements	It is collected through the related and available data refining
Data is not structured and analyzed	Information is always analyzed
Data might not carry specific and real meaning	Information always carries a detailed and comprehensive meaning
Data represents in the form of a graph, data tree, and some other structure	The information represents in the form of ideas, information and précised language
Data is not dependent on information	Information is completely dependent on information
Data is not used for decision making	Information is an important factor of information

Data V/S Information Examples

Let’s consider few simple examples to make it clearer.

If an organization has maintained the history of previous 10 years. It includes all employees whether they’re currently working or not. All of the history considered as data. While if they separately hold the record just for existing employees that is information.

Total number of visitors (from all over the world) of an online business from within the month are data. Because they’re just visitors. While if we process that data and find out the number of visitors from the targeted country that could be converted in clients. This is an information for that organization.

Final Thoughts

At cutting-edge, data is an unstructured and un-organized form of information. While information is then processed and transformed the form of data. Both of them are closely interconnected to each other. Data need to be authentic because the reliability and authentication of the information are dependent on it. No one can drive accurate information from incorrect data.

If we consider the technical glossary, the data is an input that is essentially required to drive output in the form of information. Data are the real-time facts that are used to extract an information. Data don’t have any authentication and specific meaning till it is processed and transformed. It could be interpreted because it is a simple collection of symbols, words, and numbers. Information has complete meaning that could be understood easily. The reliable information drove from data improve retention & response.

It adds value to your decision making and improves the authentication. Data need to be collected and captured than precise to improve accuracy.