Clare,
Mark has already noted how slippery a topic this is. I usually illustrate
what /I/ see as the difference between Data, Information and Knowledge thus:
Data: 75mph
Information (data in context of a situation): the speed of the car I'm in
Knowledge: (information in relation to a required action or decision): we're
exceeding the speed limit!
Max Boisot has a neat model showing his view of the differences in a
cognitive psychological sense. I discussed his model briefly in an article
for FUMSI recently: http://web.fumsi.com/go/article/manage/4471.
I don't suppose that helps much in an RM context, but I thought I'd respond
anyway.
Hope you find the Holy Grail...
Regards,
Bob
From: The UK Records Management mailing list
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Cowling Clare
Sent: 29 June 2010 12:44
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: definition of "data"
Hi all,
I speedily need a definition of data in the modern RM context ie I don't
imagine any of us see "data" any more as "Information in numerical form that
can be digitally transmitted or processed" (Webster).
Any suggestions? My own definition preference is that it's "information in
a digital format, possibly structured", though I'm willing to drop the
"structured" bit as well to make sure all digital stuff is captured.
Clare
Clare Cowling
Senior Compliance Adviser (Information & Records Management)
Corporate Governance Directorate
Transport for London
Windsor House, 42-50 Victoria Street, London SW1H 0TL
T: 020 7126 4236
F: 020 7126 3185
E: [log in to unmask]
Mobile: 07545200429
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