Differences between Data,

Information, Knowledge, Belief,

and Truth

Difference Between Data and

Information

Data is raw, unanalyzed,

unorganised, unrelated, uninterrupted material which is used to derive
information, after analyzation. On the other hand, Information is
perceivable, interpreted as a message in a particular manner, which
provides meaning to data.

Data doesn’t interpret anything as it is a meaningless entity, while

information is meaningful and relevant as well. Data and Information are
different common terms which we frequently use, although there is a
general interchangeability between these terms. So, our primary goal is to
clarify the essential difference between Data and Information.
Comparison Chart
BASIS FOR
DATA INFORMATION
COMPARISON

Meaning Data is unrefined facts and Information is the output of

figures and utilized as processed data.

input for the computer

system.

Characteristics Data is a individual unit Information is the product and

which contains raw group of data which collectively

material and doesn't carry carry a logical meaning.

any meaning.

Dependence It doesn't depend on It relies on Data.

 BASIS FOR
DATA INFORMATION
COMPARISON

Information.

Peculiarity Vague Specific.

Measuring Unit Measured in bits and bytes. Measured in meaningful units

like time, quantity, etc.

Definition of Data
Data is distinguishable information that is arranged in a
particular format. Data word stems from a singular Latin word, Datum;
its original meaning is “something given”. We have been using this word
since 1600’s, and data turn into the plural of datum.

Data can adopt multiple forms like numbers, letters, set of characters,
image, graphic, etc. If we talk about Computers, data is represented in 0’s
and 1’s patterns which can be interpreted to represent a value or fact.
Measuring units of data are Bit, Nibble, Byte, kB (kilobytes), MB
(Megabytes), GB (Gigabytes), TB (Terabytes), PT (Petabyte), EB
(Exabyte), ZB (Zettabytes), YT (Yottabytes), etc.

To store data, earlier punched cards were used, which were then replaced
by magnetic tapes and hard disks.
There are two variants of data, Qualitative and Quantitative.

• Qualitative Data emerges when the categories present in data are

distinctly separated under an observation and expressed
through natural language.
• Quantitative Data is the numerical quantification which includes
the counts and measurements and can be expressed in terms of
numbers.

Data deteriorates as time passes.

Definition of Information
Information is what you get after processing data. Data and facts can be
analysed or used as an effort to gain knowledge and infer on a conclusion.
In other words, accurate, systematize, understandable, relevant, and
timely data is Information.

Information is an older word that we have been using since 1300’s and
have a French and English origin. It is derived from the
verb “informare” which means to inform and inform is interpreted
as to form and develop an idea.

Information = Data + Meaning

Unlike data, Information is a meaningful value, fact and figure which

could derive something useful.
Let us take an example “5000” is data but if we add feet in it i.e. “5000
feet” it becomes information. If we keep on adding elements, it will reach
the higher level of intelligence hierarchy as shown in the diagram.

• Information is critical in a sense.

• There are various encoding techniques for interpretation and
transmission of information.
• Information encryption is used for increasing the security
during transmission and storage also.

Key Differences Between Data and Information

1. Data is a single unit which contains raw facts and figures. In
contrast, Information is the collection of useful data,which is
able to provide knowledge or insight about particular manner.
2. Information is derived from the data and hence, data does not
rely upon information, but information does.
3. Data is used as Input, which needs to be processed and
organized in a particular fashion to generate output, i.e.
information.
 4. Data couldn’t specify anything; there is no relation exists
between chunks of data while Information is specific and there
exists a correlation.
5. Data has no real meaning whereas Information carries certain
meaning.

Information and Knowledge

Definitions of Information
“The term information is generally described as the structured,
organized and processed data, presented with the context, which makes
it relevant and useful to the person who wants it. When raw data turn out
to be meaningful after conversion it is known as information. It is
something that informs in essence”.
Merriam Webster Dictionary defines information as “The data
about any content or any person which provides real description.”
According to the Oxford Dictionary, “The collection of content
through study, communication, research is information”.
The factors related to information are notions, constraints,
communication, control, pattern, and perception. Information, at its
most fundamental is any propagation of cause

and effect within a system. Information is conveyed either as the

content of a message or through direct or indirect observation of
something. Information can be encoded into various forms of
transmission and interpretation.
 For example, information can be encoded into a sequence of signs
or transmitted via a sequence of signals. It can also be encrypted for safe
storage and communication.
Characteristics of Information
• It has different forms/dimensions;
• It changes from period to period;
• It may include twisted or wrong elements;
• It is elaborated knowledge;
• It can be accurate, relevant, complete, and available;
• It can be communicated in the form of a message or through
observation;
• It can be obtained from various sources such as newspaper,
television, internet, people, books, and direct perception;
• It is a bunch of data and works with the help of data; and
• It may sometimes be inaccurate, irrelevant, incomplete, and not
available.
Forms of Information
There are two forms of Information. General information, and
Selected information. General information is known and shared by all.
When we select information for some purpose, it is selected
information. Information can be clear or vague. Thus, information is
about description, facts, statistics, and context factors in the form of
data of a specific system, linked to a subject- matter of any content. It
will always be given as content-based message.
Knowledge
Collection of information is a way to get knowledge. Knowledge
is a self-process, acquired from its surroundings, and by many
experiences. It is acquired through education.
Knowledge means what can be known by an individual or by
mankind. Knowledge is understanding something about the
environment. Knowledge is always concerned about knowing
something. This something can be natural objects, man-made things,
events, processes, activities, relationships, and many other things.
Knowledge always refers to comprehension. Acquisition of
knowledge or build-up of knowledge by its very nature always refers to
a process of moving from ignorance to understanding. Knowledge is
also common sense, understanding the relationship of the knower with
the known.
Definitions of Knowledge
Knowledge is understanding based on information, which a person
gets. Human beings can get knowledge through education and from
other sources. Information refers to data that has been processed.
Knowledge is the result of the ability to make meaning of information.
Information comes first and knowledge results from information. To
get knowledge, you need some cognitive and analytical ability, while
for information you do not need intellectual ability. Information is based
on the presentation of data, whereas knowledge comes from the
examination of the data.
Differences between Knowledge and Information
For example, a list of the parts of the human body is information, but
its structure and functions are knowledge.
 Knowledge Information
1. Dynamic 1. Static
2. Tacit or Implicit 2. Explicit
3. Involves awareness and 3. Does not involve
intuition depending on the awareness and intuition.
maturity of the individual 4. Processed data.
4. It gets information and 5. Can be easily reproduced.
modifies to make it useful.
6. All information need not
5. Identical reproduction is not
possible. lead to knowledge.
6. Most knowledge is based
on information.

1.2.3.1. Belief and Truth

Belief
The term belief and truth are often used in philosophy. Belief is
related to a man’s mental situation. Based on belief, man thinks about
a context. Belief develops in a man from infancy. In the beginning, the
value of a fundamental belief develops through the mother, followed by
social relations developed on traditional beliefs. A belief is the subjective
requirement of knowledge. This means that a belief is biased and
personal understanding and judgement. Forming belief is the basic
feature of the human mind. When beliefs are justified and proven true,
they assume the form of factual knowledge.
The concept of belief was defined by Plato. According to him,
‘belief is justification of truth’. It is a mental representation and a
positive base for truth. Belief is an acceptance that a statement is true or
that something exists.
Etymology of the word Belief
The word ‘belief’ comes from an old English word ‘geleafa’, which
means faith or confidence. When a person accepts something without
evidence, it is belief.
Definitions

Author Definiti
ons
Goldin (2002) Beliefs are multiplied, encoded, internal,
cognitive/ affective configurations to
which the holder attributes truth value of
some kind.
British Dictionary Belief is a feeling; it is faith about few/any
existence of matter or about the truth.
Merrium Belief is a definite confidence about a
Webster person or about a matter.
Dictionary
So, belief is a system of thought, that is, comprehension of the
information we have accumulated and stored in our brain. All beliefs
are not true, for example, people in some cultures believed that smallpox
was caused by the wrath of the Goddess. But this was proved false when
the smallpox virus was discovered.

Characteristics of belief
There are few characteristics of belief such as -
• Related to man’s mental condition;
• Based on person pre- and post- actions;
• Based on appropriate, good, valued elements;
 • It is a positive behaviour; and
• It is a psychological notion applied to biological factors.
Kinds of Beliefs
There are 3 kinds of beliefs -
1. Vague belief - When there are no concrete, supporting
statements. For example, eating nuts can make you
smart.
2. Well-supported belief- You cannot rule out such a notion.
For example, you believed that the test was difficult since you
got a failing marks.
3. Beyond a reasonable doubt- We cannot say it is a fact unless
we are the one who experienced it. For example, the lady saw
the World Trade Centre collapse. It is a fact, but we are still not
certain whether it collapsed or not
The Concept of Truth
Truth is fact reality. It is a state of being true. For example, fuel gives
energy. Generally, truth is called as fact/reality. In modern context, truth
is attestation, true to self. Human activities are based on the concept of
truth. It isSubjective, Objective, Relative, and Absolute. Based on these
factors, “as time goes on, the knowledge, which in self and in nature
without perishing stays permanently, is called truth”
Etymology of the word Truth
The word ‘truth’ comes from an old English word ‘Triewth’meaning
faithfulness or constant.
Definitions
 Gandhiji said that truth is god and god is
truth. According to Martin Hegdar,
• Truth means involvement of fact in a concept;

• Truth that which is true or in accordance with reality; and

• Truth is defined as that which is unchallengeable.
Characteristics of Truth
• It is a abroad concept;
• It is value- based;
• It is a result of research and enquiry;
• It is a universal statement, based on evaluation;
• It expects evidence, base;
• It is a pool of constant principles; and
• It is an abstract imagination.
Truth is absolutely free from fear or anxieties. It purifies the speech
and mind, so truth is the purest knowledge.
The story of Harishchandra is an example to show the value of truth.
We talk differently about truth in our material world. Such as scientific
truth, permanent truth, time-being truth, all these truths are important
in our life.
Differences between Belief and Truth
Belief is an assumed truth. Our actions are led by what we believe
in. Truth is characteristic of a statement. It is a property of beliefs; it
assumes various forms depending on the context and the emotion it
evokes in the knower.
Our beliefs in miracles may actually be accepted truths, whereas
truths are variable beliefs. Truth is by research and testing. Belief is by
experience and imagination.

Differences between belief and truth

Belief Truth
1. Indoctrinate and 1. Rational, reasoning, and
forcing universal
acceptance 2. Objective
2. Subjective 3. Concrete- based factor
3. Positive imaginative 4. Universal opinion
factor 5. Formed by evidence
4. Contextual opinion
6. Depends on factual evidence
5. Evidence not required
7. Related to attestation of
6. Depends on values context
accepted
7. A mental condition of a
person

1.2.4. References
1. Shivakumar S.K. (2016). Knowledge and curriculum.
VismayaPrakashana, Mysore.
2. Ramachandraiah B. R. (2017). Knowledge and curriculum.
VismayaPrakashana, Mysore.
3. www.thefreedictionary.com
4. https://keydifferences.com/ Difference between information and
knowledge