Data, Information and Knowledge

Data, Information and Knowledge are different terms but there is always a relation between these three terms and all three are interrelated, Tuomi (1999) argues that data emerges as a result of adding value to information, which in turn is knowledge that has been structured and verbalised. We can explain this with an illustration which suggests that the relation between data, information and knowledge is linear. The distance between data and information is the same as the distance between information and knowledge, implying that the effort required moving from one entity to another is the same.

From data to information to knowledge (6)

What is Data? Formal representation of raw materials (words, numbers or pictures) from which conclusions or interfences can be drawn (1), Davenport and Prusak, define data as a "set of discrete, objective facts about events”

According to Ackoff (1989) data is defined as a symbol that represents a property of an object, an event or of their environment. It is the product of observation but is of no use until it is in usable form. He also states that data is just raw it simply exists and has no significance beyond its existence.

According to Quigley and Debons (1999) data is defined as the text that does not answer questions to a particular problem.

But according to my analysis Data is generally representation of raw materials without any meaning and as a result, it is difficult to understand. It represents a fact or a statement of event without relation to other things
ex: 09885747970, London etc

What is Information? Information adds some context and meaning to data so that everyone can understand(1). Ackoff(1989) defines information as data that has been given meaning by way of relational connection. This "meaning" can be useful, but does not have to be.

According to Quigley and Debons (1999) Information is defined as the text that answers the questions who, when, what or where.

Knowledge according to my analysis can be explained as a message which is received and understood. If we have to define information then it can be said as “Collection of all raw materials which have some meaning".
Ex: My number in London is 09885747970

what is knowledge? According to Akoff knowledge is the appropriate collection of information, such that its intent is to be useful

When we study and understand the information we acquire knowledge, in simpler words knowledge can be explained as application of data and information.
Ex: when I was traveling in tubes for the first time, I got the information about my route through tube maps and when I looked at it and understood the route of my journey then I gained knowledge.

Data, Information and Knowledge are interrelated and I can explain it with an example of our module hand book, before the starting of term our module Leader will have all the information about the module and when they give it for printing the information provide by the module leader will become data for the people working in the press, and when it is printed and given to the students it is knowledge for us.

References:
(1). Gene Belinger, Durval Castro, Anthony Mills (2004) in “Data, Information, Knowledge and Wisdom” retrieved on 10th feb 09 from web pages http://www.systems-thinking.org/dikw/dikw.htm
(2). GCSE Bitesize retrieved on 10th feb 09 from web page http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/ict/databases/0datainforev1.shtml
(3).Thomas Davenport and Laurence Prusak (1998) in “Working Knowledge”
(4).Jennifer Rowley, Richard Hartley (2008) in “Organizing Knowledge: An Introduction to Managing Access to Information” retrieved on 17th feb, 2009.
(5).Quigley, E. J. and Debons, A. (1999), ‘Interrogative Theory of Information and Knowledge’, pg (4-10)
(6). Illustration retrieved on 18th feb, 2009 from web pages http://searchdatamanagement.techtarget.com/generic/0,295582,sid91_gci1283796,00.html