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Data interpreted in context to reduce uncertainty and support understanding or decisions.
DESCRIPTION
Information arises when raw data is contextualized and given meaning. In Shannon’s theory, information quantifies uncertainty reduction via probabilistic encoding. In organizational contexts, information enables communication, decision-making, and analysis. The DIKW hierarchy situates information above raw data as more useful knowledge. Metadata enriches information by describing its origin, structure, and applicability. High-quality information depends on accuracy, relevance, timeliness, and completeness.
ALTERNATIVE DEFINITIONS
Wikipedia
Information is an abstract concept that refers to something which conveys meaning, facts, or knowledge.
Emphasizes meaning and knowledge aspects beyond raw data.
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
‘Information’ is an elusive concept, often understood as the content of an informing process, a pattern, or a set of signals that can be transmitted, stored, or processed.
Philosophical perspective highlighting transmission and processing.
RELATED TERMS
Knowledge Wisdom DIKW Pyramid Metadata Entropy Signal Context Semantic Information Information Theory
COMPETING TERMS
RELATIONS
KNOWLEDGE AREAS
Data Management Semantic & Knowledge Modeling Data Governance Mathematics Domain & Business Context
TARGET AUDIENCE
Information Analyst Data Steward Data Architect Chief Data Officer Enterprise Architect
EXTERNAL SOURCES
- Wikipedia - Information
- NIST - Security-focused glossary definition of information
- Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy - Philosophical overview of information
- Shannon (1948) - Foundational paper on information theory
TOP QUESTIONS
How does Information differ from Data?
Data are raw symbols or observations; information is data interpreted in context, reducing uncertainty and enabling understanding or decision-making.
Category: Misunderstanding
Why is Information quality critical?
Poor-quality information leads to bad decisions; quality dimensions include accuracy, relevance, timeliness, completeness, and consistency.
Category: Risk
How is Information modeled in enterprises?
Through business glossaries, metadata catalogs, conceptual models, and domain ontologies that capture meaning and context.
Category: Management
What role does Information play in DIKW?
Information sits above data, representing contextualized, meaningful content that can be further synthesized into knowledge and applied as wisdom.
Category: Overview
What is Shannon’s perspective on Information?
It quantifies uncertainty reduction, focusing on transmission, encoding, and entropy rather than semantic meaning.
Category: Definition
How do metadata and Information relate?
Metadata describes information’s origin, structure, and meaning, enabling discovery, governance, and interoperability.
Category: Requirements
What are common mistakes when treating Information?
Confusing data with information, neglecting context, and omitting provenance and definitions that make content trustworthy.
Category: Mistakes
How can organizations improve Information quality?
Establish stewardship, data quality rules, validation workflows, and clear business definitions across domains.
Category: Best practices
What is a striking analogy for Information?
Data are ingredients; information is the prepared dish with recipe and context ready for consumption.
Category: Example