What is the difference between data, information, and knowledge?

What is the difference between data, information, and knowledge?

• A. Data are raw facts.
• B. Information is raw data.
• C. Knowledge is interpreted information applied to decisions.
• D. Data becomes knowledge automatically.

Answer: (C)

Understanding how raw data becomes usable insight is the idea here. Data are raw facts—numbers or observations that, by themselves, carry little meaning. Information comes when those data are organized and presented with context so they answer a question or reveal a pattern. Knowledge is information that has been interpreted and integrated with experience to guide decisions and actions. The best answer reflects that progression: knowledge is interpreted information applied to decisions. Data aren’t information, and information isn’t just raw data; data don’t automatically become knowledge without interpretation and application.

Understanding how raw data becomes usable insight is the idea here. Data are raw facts—numbers or observations that, by themselves, carry little meaning. Information comes when those data are organized and presented with context so they answer a question or reveal a pattern. Knowledge is information that has been interpreted and integrated with experience to guide decisions and actions. The best answer reflects that progression: knowledge is interpreted information applied to decisions. Data aren’t information, and information isn’t just raw data; data don’t automatically become knowledge without interpretation and application.