Fundamentals of Information
Technology— CAPE-Level Notes
1. Distinguishing Data, Information, and Knowledge
A. Data
● Definition: Raw, unprocessed facts or figures. Data has no inherent meaning until it is
analyzed or organized.
● Characteristics:
○ Unprocessed and unorganized – not yet interpreted.
○ Discrete – exists in separate, unrelated chunks.
○ Qualitative or Quantitative:
■ Qualitative: Opinion-based or descriptive (e.g., “Red,” “High risk”).
■ Quantitative: Numerical, measurable, and objective (e.g., 45 kg, $100).
○ Detailed or Sampled: Full data sets vs. representative subsets.
● Examples:
○ Student scores: 85, 78, 92.
○ Survey responses before analysis.
○ Daily temperatures recorded over a month.
, B. Information
● Definition: Processed, organized, or structured data that is meaningful and useful for
decision-making.
● Characteristics:
○ Reliability – must be accurate and trustworthy.
○ Relevance – pertains directly to the purpose.
○ Timeliness – up-to-date and available when needed.
○ Completeness – includes all necessary details.
○ Security & Confidentiality – protected from unauthorized access.
○ Interpretation – may be subjective or objective depending on context.
○ Shareability – can be communicated or distributed.
○ Lifespan – has a period of validity.
○ Format & Medium – can be paper, digital, audio, video, or mixed.
● Examples:
○ A sales report showing total revenue for the last month.
○ Survey results presented with percentages and charts.
○ A map showing traffic congestion in a city.
C. Knowledge
● Definition: Information that has been interpreted, understood, and applied to make
decisions or take action.
Technology— CAPE-Level Notes
1. Distinguishing Data, Information, and Knowledge
A. Data
● Definition: Raw, unprocessed facts or figures. Data has no inherent meaning until it is
analyzed or organized.
● Characteristics:
○ Unprocessed and unorganized – not yet interpreted.
○ Discrete – exists in separate, unrelated chunks.
○ Qualitative or Quantitative:
■ Qualitative: Opinion-based or descriptive (e.g., “Red,” “High risk”).
■ Quantitative: Numerical, measurable, and objective (e.g., 45 kg, $100).
○ Detailed or Sampled: Full data sets vs. representative subsets.
● Examples:
○ Student scores: 85, 78, 92.
○ Survey responses before analysis.
○ Daily temperatures recorded over a month.
, B. Information
● Definition: Processed, organized, or structured data that is meaningful and useful for
decision-making.
● Characteristics:
○ Reliability – must be accurate and trustworthy.
○ Relevance – pertains directly to the purpose.
○ Timeliness – up-to-date and available when needed.
○ Completeness – includes all necessary details.
○ Security & Confidentiality – protected from unauthorized access.
○ Interpretation – may be subjective or objective depending on context.
○ Shareability – can be communicated or distributed.
○ Lifespan – has a period of validity.
○ Format & Medium – can be paper, digital, audio, video, or mixed.
● Examples:
○ A sales report showing total revenue for the last month.
○ Survey results presented with percentages and charts.
○ A map showing traffic congestion in a city.
C. Knowledge
● Definition: Information that has been interpreted, understood, and applied to make
decisions or take action.
