Page 121 - Trust in ICT 2017

Trust in ICT 2

Data  Information  Knowledge  Wisdom framework

"Knowledge Pyramid" refers to the representation of functional relationships between data, information,
knowledge, and wisdom. "Typically information is defined in terms of data, knowledge in terms of
information, and wisdom in terms of knowledge" [14]. From the ICT perspectives, data is simply defined as a
string of bits which have no meaning or values because of lack of contexts and interpretation. When sensory
signals of light, heat, sound, force, and electromagnetic are converged to digital forms, the data has a
meaning with relevant description or additional explanation. Data itself cannot contain any information and
it looks like noise without meaning or interpretation of empirical perception. Information is inferred from
data and is defined as data that are endowed with meaning and purpose. If data to be sent is combined with
interpretations from previous experiences and human cognitive intention, etc., the valuable information can
be extracted. Also, when a lot of data streams are integrated or collectively analysed with other data, new
information that could not be coming from individual data may be found. Knowledge is a difficult concept
which is typically defined with reference to information. Humans can capture knowledge if information has
been processed, organized, evaluated, or structured with combinations of experiences, insight, and
intelligent cognitive decisions. Knowledge is only perceived by humans. By extending information inferred by
data, knowledge is sometimes described as [14]:

– synthesis of multiple sources of information over time;
– organization and processing to convey understanding, experience and accumulated learning;
– a mix of contextual information, values, experience and rules.
One interesting issue is that knowledge has a recursive nature with data and information. When people write
books and communicate with others, a set of data (i.e. texts, sounds, and images, etc.) is used to deliver
information and knowledge. For voice telephony, tele-conferences or e-mails through the network, the
digital bit stream can be interpreted to deliver information and knowledge together. It can be recognized
depending on the level of interpretation and perception.

113