Q.Which of the following best describes 'information'? (A) Raw facts and figures with no meaning
(B) Processed data that is meaningful and useful
(C) The physical parts of a computer
(D) A set of instructions given to hardware

Raw facts on their own are called data; only after they are processed and given meaning do they become something a person can actually use for a decision.

The distinction being tested is between data (raw input) and information (processed output).

(A) Raw facts and figures with no meaning is the definition of data, not information — incorrect.

(B) Processed data that is meaningful and useful is exactly the definition of information — correct.

(C) The physical parts of a computer describes hardware, unrelated to the data/information distinction — incorrect.

(D) A set of instructions given to hardware describes software (a program), not information — incorrect.

Students often use 'data' and 'information' as if they mean the same thing — remember that data is the raw input and information is the meaningful output produced after processing.