Data
Raw facts or measurements captured as separate items that have not yet been organized, structured, or analyzed; essentially basic observations.
Key Points
- Represents raw observations or measurements before any processing or interpretation.
- Becomes information only after it is organized, aggregated, or analyzed.
- Can be quantitative or qualitative and is typically stored at a granular level.
- Collected from sources such as logs, surveys, sensors, tests, or inspections.
Example
During quality control on a construction project, the team records hourly concrete temperature readings and timestamps. Until those readings are averaged or trended, they are data.
PMP Example Question
While performing inspections, a project team records defect counts for each work shift. What are these shift-by-shift counts best classified as?
- Data
- Information
- Knowledge
- Work performance reports
Correct Answer: A — Data
Explanation: The shift-by-shift counts are raw, unprocessed measurements. They become information only after they are organized or analyzed (for example, summarized or trended).
