Data vs Information: The Difference Explained

DATA AND INFORMATION.

Data and Information are two distinct terms, but they can relate in some way.

However, Data is the initial raw fact and or matter, in which when analyzed and processed, then the information can founded out.

In this post, I have tried to explain the differences between Data and Information.

For now, let us dive into the difference between Data and Information, what and which factors differentiate them.

What is Data?

Data is unprocessed piece of fact. It is a raw fact to be processed for a certain piece of necessary information to be obtained throughout.

Generally, Data is a raw fact that is unprocessed and it is mainly obtained through observation and records in which when analyzed out carefully, then it gives out what is known as information. The information obtained is a second level of knowledge.

What Is Information?

Information in simple terms, refer to data that is organized in which it gives out a meaningful index. Information must be relevant, understandable, and even reliable and containing logical data before disseminated or sent to the recipients.

Not only to say that but also the information to be delivered must be organized and arranged well with the time lines.

Data and information can be interrelated in nature.

For instance, when I give you something like this IDD9902, and that is data. But what if it become something like this, IDD9902- registration number, and that is information.

You see now both them are in relationship to each other. Both data and information can be presented in alphabets, in numbers, and even in symbol.

To sum up, the Data is usually used to provide or give out the information after the whole process of analysis.

How The Information Is Disseminated.

Information can be disseminated through two useful ways, that is; both traditional ways and modern ways.

Traditional ways; including the use of all means of traditional tools to spread the intended message. Information is usually disseminated slowly and reaches few people. tools used are such as Drums, whistle, Cultural songs.

Modern ways; include the uses of modern tools and even technological medium to spreading the information. Here the message usually reaches many people due to low cost in the whole process of sending the message. Tools used up including the Internet, Radio, Television, Electronic mail .

For the information to be disseminated it requires three factors of confluence which is the Source, Medium, and the Receiver.

These are the key factors in which the information can be passed from one area to another or from one system to another.

Source of Information.

The source of information serves as the origination of the message to be conveyed. Here is where the information is initially gathered from a certain source.

There are different sources that help in facilitating the process of obtaining the Information. The sources in which the information can be gathered including the primary and secondary sources.

Primary sources of Information; The primary sources to getting the informations is for example through Events such as Debates, Surveying, Personal interviews and even exclusives. Even through contacting and E-mail.

Here is where by individuals interact face to face to each other and usually the informations obtained is always original and with no any means of fiction.

Secondary sources of information; Second hands sources of information are simply in a presented form. They are usually derived from primary sources. For example a certain myth or real fact narrated can be written in a book and hence become a secondary source of information.

Secondary sources of information mainly including the Books, Encyclopedia, Magazines, Newspapers, Television, Recorded tapes ( either in form of Video or Audio), Websites, Graph charts, etc.

2. Medium

These are all the means used up for the process of spreading the information collected. Medium that are commonly used in the process of disseminating the information gathered including Newspapers, Radio, Television, Mobile phones, Websites and so on.

3. Receiver

This is the one who the disseminated information is intended to. Normally the information that gathered must reach the intended audiences either to alerting or just to inform. The receiver of the information can be me and you and whatever.

Generally, the Data is the initial factor for the information to be obtained. This is because that, when the data is analyzed, then the information us brought out.

The information can then be stored on a storage medium for future use. And that is how the information can be disseminated from one are to another.