Information Resources and Learning Platforms - DIKW and Knowledge Systems

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering foundational concepts of data, information, knowledge, wisdom, and the structures of knowledge societies and economies.

Data

Discrete, objective facts or observations that are unorganized, unprocessed, and lack meaning due to a lack of context and interpretation.

Datum

The Latin singular form of the word data, meaning 'to give' or 'something given'.

Information

Processed or organized data that is meaningful and relevant for a specific purpose, often answering questions starting with who, what, where, when, and how many.

Informare

The Latin verb meaning 'to give form to,' 'to shape,' or 'to instruct,' from which the word 'information' is derived.

Knowledge

Human understanding of a subject matter acquired through study and experience; it is defined as information that is internalized, understood in context, and combined with rules.

Explicit knowledge

Knowledge that can be easily documented, written down, and shared in tangible forms such as books, manuals, or digital databases.

Tacit knowledge

Knowledge that is difficult to articulate or formalize, deeply rooted in personal experiences, intuition, and practical know-how.

Wisdom

The ability to apply knowledge, experience, and good judgment to make sound, ethical decisions; considered the highest tier of the DIKW hierarchy.

DIKW Hierarchy

A model for classifying human understanding into four levels: Data, Information, Knowledge, and Wisdom.

Knowledge Society

A society where knowledge is the most important resource for growth and development, emphasizing education, innovation, and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).

Knowledge Economy

An economic system where growth is driven by the production, distribution, and use of knowledge and skills rather than traditional physical labor or raw materials.

Knowledge Organization

The systematic arrangement of information, ideas, and documents to ensure they can be easily found, retrieved, and understood.

Metadata

A tool used in knowledge organization described as 'data about data,' which includes details like author, title, and year of publication.

Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC)

A specific library classification system used as a tool for knowledge organization to arrange books by subject, author, or number.

Knowledge Workers

Members of the workforce in a knowledge society who require high levels of education and experience to perform jobs centered on information.

Information Explosion

A significant barrier to the effective use of knowledge resulting from the rapid and massive increase in available data and information.