Final answer:
In digital forensics, data refers to raw facts, while evidence is a subset of data that supports or refutes a hypothesis. Metadata is critical documentation that must be recorded in investigations, not disregarded. Proper analysis and interpretation of raw data transform it into evidence for a scientific hypothesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
When conducting a digital forensic investigation, it's vital to understand the distinction between data, evidence, and metadata. First, data is not necessarily evidence, but rather raw facts from which conclusions can be drawn. Evidence is a more niche category of data that serves to prove or disprove a hypothesis or accusation. Metadata, such as the creator of a file, date of creation, and modification times, is crucial information that must be documented as it can be integral to the investigation. Contrary to the incorrect claim, metadata is important and should be documented meticulously. Disk partition structures and file tables are indeed examples of metadata. Examining metadata indeed produces a large data volume, but this is necessary for comprehensive analysis.
When selecting evidence for a hypothesis or a claim, it's essential to choose that which is factual and can be verified. Whether the evidence aligns with predictions or not determines if the hypothesis is supported or disproven. In the realm of scientific investigation, raw data must be analyzed and interpreted before it can be defined as evidence supporting a hypothesis.