by Todd Pheifer

Created on: December 01, 2009

Words can be extremely powerful, which is why it can be particularly important to understand their meaning in various applications. The words "data" and "information" can be used interchangeably in certain contexts, but they can also have very different uses and meanings depending on the situation and environment. There can also be a particular element of manipulation that is attached to data and information, particularly since they can be used to aid or enhance an argument. Therefore, here are a few thoughts on the difference between data and information.

Data

In most settings, data is generally considered to be results of a given outcome that has not been interpreted or conveyed in a particular way. Data may be seen as more "pure" or "raw," particularly if it is presented "as is." Granted, there are still many subjective factors that apply, particularly as they pertain to data gathering or data collection. In other words, people can certainly gather pieces of data but that doesn't mean that the data is actually anything that resembles "truth." Data is often connected with statistics, which is typically broken into two categories. Quantitative data typically has to do with numbers, percentages, and other fixed quantities. Qualitative data includes more open responses such as opinions and descriptions. Quantitative data is often more refined and easier to collect while qualitative is regarded as "richer" but is more difficult to collect and can be more subject to interpretation.

Information

The description of information is a bit more difficult. In general terms, information is anything that one party wishes to convey to another party. When conveying information, one party can include various types of data, but they can also include opinion and interpretation. This is why information can be a very different quantity because it has a much greater range of intent and accuracy. When some people convey information, they are actually trying to send a "message" which can include bias and very specific interpretation. There is nothing particular wrong with trying to convince someone of a particular agenda, but sometimes data, information, and narrow interpretation can be mixed together to create a skewed view of reality.

What do you mean?

Overall, when people talk about data and information, they may have to clarify what they are talking about so that people are able to objectively evaluate what they are reading, seeing, or hearing. Granted, this can be a largely idealistic situation but that doesn't change the reality that words can be defined in many different ways. There is some responsibility put on the person who is delivering data and information, but the receiver should also be ready to critically evaluate that which is put in front of them.

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