Difference Between Data and Information

Table of Contents

Main Difference

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

Data vs. Information

Collection of data is first and foremost 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 for the users, it is called‘information.’ So, data is an unsystematic detail about something whereas; information is a systematic form of data. Data includes qualitative or quantitative variables which take part in developing ideas or conclusions. On the other hand, information is a collection of data which brings news and meaning. Data never depends upon the information. On the flip side, information depends upon data. Data is not specific to anything and may or may not be a useful while, information is specific for anything and is always useful.

Comparison Chart

Data	Information
The facts and statistics that are collected for reference or analysis are known as data.	Facts about something that are obtained after processing the data are known as information.
Etymology
The word ‘Data’ is derived from a Latin word ‘datum,’ which means “To give something.”	The word ‘information’ was discovered from the Latin word ‘informare,’ which means ‘give form to.’
Based on
Data based on records and observations.	Information based on the analysis.
Format
Data is in the form of letters, numbers, or a set of characters.	Information based on ideas and inferences.
Representation
It can be represented in the form of tabular data, data tree, and graph, etc.	Information is represented in the form of language, thoughts, and ideas based on the given data.
Form of Data
Data is an unorganized form.	Information is an organized form of data.
Depandance
Data never depends upon the information.	Information depends upon data.
Specificity
Data is not specific to anything.	Information is specific to a topic.
Usefulness
Data may or may not be useful.	Information is always useful.
Significance
Data alone has no importance.	Information is itself significant.
Design
Data is not designed according to the needs of the user.	Information is always designed according to the requirements and expectations of the user after the removal of all the irrelevant facts and figures during the transformation process.
Example
The score of each student in a test is one piece of data.	The average score of a specific class or the whole school is an example of information that can be obtained from the given data.

What is Data?

The word ‘Data’ is derived from a Latin word ‘datum,’ which stands for “To give something.” Data is an unorganized and raw fact that is needed to be processed to make it meaningful. Generally, it is comprised of facts, observations, numbers, characters, perceptions, symbols, and image, etc. It may or may not be useful and can be represented in the form of tabular data, data tree, and graph, etc. The score of each student in a test is an example of data.

What is Information?

The word ‘information’ was discovered from the Latin word ‘informare,’ which means ‘give form to.’ It is described as a processed, organized, specific and structured form of data. Raw data is not at all as useful as information. It is cleaned and refined through purposeful intelligence to convert it into information. So, data is manipulated through analysis, tabulation, and similar other methods which enhance the interpretation and explanation. When the data is converted into information, it is free from immaterial things and unnecessary details. Thus it ensures understandability and reduces uncertainty. The average score of a specific class or the whole school is an example of information that can be obtained from the given data.

Key Differences

The facts and statistics that are collected for reference or analysis are known as data, whereas, facts about something that are obtained after processing the data are known as information.

The word ‘Data’ is derived from a Latin word ‘datum,’ which means “To give something.” On the other hand, the word ‘information’ was discovered from the Latin word ‘informare,’ which means ‘give form to.’

Data based on records and observations conversely, information based on the analysis.

Data is in the form of letters, numbers, or a set of characters on the flip side, information based on ideas and inferences.

We may represent data in the form of tabular data, data tree, and graph, On the other side, information is represented in the form of language, thoughts, and ideas based on the given data.

Data is an unorganized form, while information is an organized form of data.

Data never depends upon the information. On the other hand, information depends upon data.

Data is not specific to anything, whereas information is specific to a topic.

Data may or may not be useful on the flip side; information is always useful.

Data alone has no importance while information is itself significant.

Data is not designed according to the needs of the user. On the other hand, information is always designed according to the requirements and expectations of the user after the removal of all the irrelevant facts and figures during the transformation process.

The score of each student in a test is one piece of data whereas, the average score of a specific class or the whole school is an example of information that can be obtained from the given data.

Conclusion

Above discussion summarizes that data is the collection of raw, unprocessed, and unorganized facts that has no importance for a researcher. On the other hand, the processing of data in an organized and refined form that is useful for a researcher is known as information.

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