Final answer:
Data are the foundation of knowledge and informed decision-making in society, and when systematically collected and tested, they can lead to the establishment of theories. Understanding and interpreting data are crucial skills in today's workforce. Theories are built on facts that are supported by data, and they are considered to be the bedrock of our understanding of nature.
Step-by-step explanation:
Data are the foundation of knowledge and are essential for informed discussion and prediction. They are crucial for various stakeholders in society, from the media to political candidates, and for shaping legislation. The ability to understand and interpret data is a skill that has become fundamental in the modern workforce, as data can inform decisions in areas ranging from politics to consumer preferences. For example, analyzing voter data to understand electoral preferences is similar to evaluating consumer data to determine brand popularity.
Moreover, data are used in scientific investigations to test hypotheses. This sort of data - observations collected systematically - can lead to the development of theories when consistently tested and attributed to a cause. The National Academy of Sciences defines a 'theory' as a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is based on a body of facts that have been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experiment. Theories, therefore, are the bedrock of our understanding of nature because they are built on reliable and tested data.
Recognizing a fact involves identifying information that can be proven to be true through evidence and data. This process underlines the importance of data as a fundamental element upon which factual statements and, consequently, theories, are based. Tested data that yield repeated observations and can be attributed to a cause, like 'fire causes burns', become part of the bedrock of knowledge that informs our understanding of the world around us.