Data

Data is information that has been collected and stored so that it can be used to learn or make decisions. Data can describe almost anything—such as the temperature outside, the number of students in a class, or the colors in a picture. It can be shown as numbers, words, images, or even sounds. For example, if a school records the height of every student, those measurements are data about the students.

Data can be qualitative or quantitative. Qualitative data describes qualities or characteristics, such as color, shape, or type—for instance, describing apples as red or green. Quantitative data is numerical, such as counting or measuring something—for example, saying there are 20 apples or that one weighs 150 grams. Both kinds of data help people understand and compare things.

To make sense of data, it must be collected, organized, and analyzed. People collect data in many ways, such as surveys, experiments, sensors, or digital devices. Once collected, it can be organized into tables, charts, or graphs to show patterns or results. Analysis is the process of studying data to find meaning. For instance, by studying rainfall data over many years, scientists can find out if a place is getting wetter or drier.

Computers are widely used to store and process data. In the digital world, data is often represented as binary code—a series of 0s and 1s. This code tells computers what to do and allows them to store information in memory. Digital data can include text documents, photos, videos, and sounds. Devices such as smartphones, cameras, and sensors create and use data every day.

Data is important in almost every field. Scientists use it for research, teachers use it to track learning, and businesses use it to plan products or services. Governments use data to plan public services like transportation and healthcare. Because of this, managing data carefully and accurately is essential. Sometimes, when data includes personal information, it must be protected to keep people’s privacy safe.

When data is studied and given meaning, it becomes information. Information helps people understand the world, make predictions, and solve problems. In modern times, large collections of digital data, called big data, are used to study complex systems such as climate change, health, or population growth. Data continues to grow and shape how people live, learn, and make decisions.