How can we distinguish between data, information, and knowledge while we're drowning in it?

Answer 1

Data is a universally accepted fact based on mathematical conclusions.

Information is the knowledge of another, and is not necessarily fact.

Knowledge is what you know or what you think you know based on information of data.

Answer 2

LOVE this question. I work at an accounting firm, surrounded by all of these things. So far as I can tell:

-- DATA comes in the form of tables, charts, spreadsheets and reports (and all our file cabinets are stuffed with it)
-- INFORMATION comes in the form of summaries and meetings with experts who have the patience to explain their expertise to the rest of us
-- KNOWLEDGE is how well I can explain this to someone else (in most cases, not very well)

In short, it's difficult to make such a distinction, especially while trying to get the ****ing file cabinet closed on all that paper....

Answer 3

Sift it through a strainer.