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data

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Data is information that has been collected and organised. It can be used to answer questions, make decisions, and solve problems.

Data can be collected in many different ways, such as through surveys, experiments, and observations. Once data is collected, it can be analysed using different statistical methods.

Data can be used to answer a wide variety of questions, such as:

  • How many people live in the United States?
  • What is the average temperature in January in New York City?
  • What is the relationship between smoking and lung cancer?

Data can also be used to make decisions, such as:

  • Where should a new school be built?
  • What type of advertising should a company use?
  • What is the best way to improve traffic flow in a city?

Data is a valuable resource that can be used to learn about the world around us and make better decisions.

How can the word be used?

The data from the climate model shows that the Earth is likely to experience more extreme weather events in the future.

data

Different forms of the word

Noun: data (plural: data).

Adjective: data-driven.

based on or using data.

Verb: to data-mine.

Etymology

The word "data" comes from the Latin word "datum", which means "something given". The Latin word "datum" is the neuter past participle of the verb "dare", which means "to give".

Question

What data might you collect to work out the average height of your classmates?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Explain the role of data in scientific investigations, and outline the importance of collecting and analyzing data accurately for drawing valid conclusions.

Answer:

  • Data plays a fundamental role in scientific investigations. It consists of facts, observations, measurements, and information collected during an experiment or study. Data serves as the foundation for drawing conclusions, making informed decisions, and validating scientific hypotheses.
  • Accurate data collection and analysis are crucial for several reasons. Firstly, reliable data provide evidence to support or refute a hypothesis, ensuring the credibility of scientific findings. Secondly, data allow scientists to identify patterns, trends, or relationships between variables, leading to deeper insights into natural phenomena. Thirdly, data-driven conclusions facilitate the replication of experiments by other researchers, promoting scientific rigour and validation of results.

In summary, data is the backbone of scientific investigations. The accurate collection and analysis of data are essential for drawing valid conclusions, advancing scientific knowledge, and making informed decisions based on evidence-based research.