Lecture 1

Question 1

What is data

Answer 1

Data is a raw form of knowledge and, on its own,
does not carry any significance or purpose.

Question 2

What is information

Answer 2

Information is defined as knowledge gained
through study, communication, research, or
instruction.

Essentially, information is the result of analyzing and interpreting pieces of data

Question 2

Types of data

Answer 2

Quantitative data is provided in numerical form,
like the weight, volume, or cost of an item.
* Qualitative data is descriptive, but nonnumerical, like the name, sex, or eye color of a
person

Question 2

Diffferences between data and information

Answer 2

1. Data is a collection of facts, while information puts those facts into context.
2. While data is raw and unorganized, information is
   organized.
3. Data, on its own, is meaningless. When it’s analyzed
   and interpreted, it becomes meaningful information.
4. Data does not depend on information; however,
   information depends on data.
5. Data typically comes in the form of graphs, numbers,
   figures, or statistics. Information is typically presented
   through words, language, thoughts, and ideas.
6. Data isn’t sufficient for decision-making, but you can
   make decisions based on information.

Question 2

Examples of Data and Information

Answer 2

At the PAU Cafetaria, a single customer’s bill
amount is data.
* However, when the Cafetaria operators collect
and interpret multiple bills over a range of time,
they can produce valuable information, such as
– what menu items are most popular and
– whether the prices are sufficient to cover
supplies, overhead, and wages.