Final answer:
In the context of a database, data refers to raw facts that have no intrinsic meaning, whereas information is processed data that has been organized or contextualized to provide meaning and insight.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of a database, data is distinct from information in that it consists of raw facts that have no meaning in isolation. By contrast, information is data that has been processed, organized, or presented in a context that gives it meaning. For example, data could be the raw inputs collected from various sources, such as numbers, text, or observations. When this data is analyzed and interpreted to make it understandable or useful, it becomes information.
Data can be classified in various ways, such as qualitative (categorical) or quantitative (numerical), which can further be divided into discrete (countable) or continuous (measurable) data. Qualitative data includes categories or labels that describe attributes, while quantitative data is numerical and can be used to perform calculations. Farmers, for instance, use quantitative data like rainfall patterns and soil quality measurements to make informed decisions about planting and harvesting, turning it into actionable information that guides their actions.
Thus, the statement that "data consists of raw facts and has no meaning" aligns most accurately with the given choices in the context of a database. Information is thus the outcome of processing and interpreting data, providing insight that can be used to make decisions.