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DEFINITION

Data are raw facts and figures relating to people,

places, things and events.

CHARACTERISTICS Unprocessed,unorganized and discrete (in

separate, unrelated chunks).

Qualitative (opinion-based, subjective).

Quantitative (measurement-based, objective). Detailed.

Sampled.

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DEFINITION

Information is data that have been converted into ameaningful and useful context for use by specificusers.

CHARACTERISTICS Information can be classified according to its content.

For example, one can distinguish between factualinformation, simply describing a single idea which is

(perceived to be) true; or analytical, usually based onan analysis of a number of facts.

An alternative distinction is between subjectiveinformation (i.e. based on an individual's opinion), orobjective (i.e. rooted in fact).

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CHARACTERISTICS

Another important aspect of information is

timeliness. Information which is true (andrelevant) at one point in time, might lose its

truth or relevance at another point in time. Forexample, population statistics that were

accurate in 2007 are no longer accurate in 2010.

However, perhaps the most important

characteristic of information is reliability. Noteverything that is presented as information is

true and/or believable. It is important that you

become aware that not everything you read is

true.

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CHARACTERISTICS

It is also important that you become aware of

information as a commodity. Information can besold and bought. Moreover, information is often

owned by some individual or organization. Also,this brings out a number of issues to do with

ethical and legal implications of the use of

information technology. For example, issues to

do with confidentiality and security areimportant considerations in this context.

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CHARACTERISTICS Inconsistency. Is the final form similar to or means the

same as its original form? Is it complete? e.g. omittedfacts, distortion.

Incomprehensibility. Is it clear? Is it easy to

understand? Subject to interpretation. Is the source/target

objective or subjective? Do you understand it or knowwhat it means?

Value. Is it important and useful? Is it truthful?

Relevance. Is it significant? Is it applicable? Is it

current? Confidentiality. Is it classified? Is it private or public?

e.g. personal health, a countrys state of affairs.

Timeliness. Is it immediate? Is it current? Is itapplicable? Can it be accessed quickly?