Which sequence describes how data are transformed into knowledge by researchers?

Which sequence describes how data are transformed into knowledge by researchers?

• A. Data → Information → Knowledge
• B. Knowledge → Data → Information
• C. Information → Knowledge → Data
• D. Data → Knowledge → Information

Answer: (A)

Data are raw facts and observations without context. When researchers organize and contextualize them—adding meaning, structure, and relationships—they become information. By analyzing, interpreting, and integrating that information with existing theory and evidence, they derive knowledge that informs understanding and guides decisions. This progression—Data → Information → Knowledge—is how data are transformed into usable understanding, which is why it’s the best fit. Sequences that start with knowledge or skip the information step don’t reflect the necessary steps where context is added and interpretation occurs.

Data are raw facts and observations without context. When researchers organize and contextualize them—adding meaning, structure, and relationships—they become information. By analyzing, interpreting, and integrating that information with existing theory and evidence, they derive knowledge that informs understanding and guides decisions. This progression—Data → Information → Knowledge—is how data are transformed into usable understanding, which is why it’s the best fit. Sequences that start with knowledge or skip the information step don’t reflect the necessary steps where context is added and interpretation occurs.