Information (What)

Information refers to the set of {facts, opinions, concepts, data, methods, theories, definitions, symbols and so on} about a particular subject.

Sources of Information

Information is found in books, journal articles, lectures, reports, web articles, news articles, videos, and so on. Information can also be found by asking questions to knowledgeable people.

Information can also be found by direct methods: observations, experiments, trying something out, visiting a place, investigative journalism, calculations, math models, and so on.

Rationale

Information is useful for many purposes: informing, educating, decision-making, problem-solving, and communication.

Research: How to Get Information

The process of getting information is called research. Research is done by asking questions and then finding answers by

1. Primary Research: this involves getting information directly via observation, experiment, calculation, trying something yourself, and so on.

2. Secondary Research: this involves getting information from other people by web search, reading journal articles, asking other people, reading the news, listening to lectures, watching videos, and so on.

Types of Information (CEME Classification)

Work in progress.

• I haven’t yet been able to come up with a Collectively Exhaustive and Mutually Exclusive (CEME) set of elements for information.
• Here are some definitions of some types; but categories overlap: e.g. is velocity a concept or a definition.

1. Data:

• Raw, unprocessed facts or measurements (e.g., numbers, measurements, observations).

• Example: “Temperature = 72°F.”

2. Concepts:

• Abstract ideas or general notions that represent understanding or categories.

• Example: “Gravity is a force.”

3. Definitions:

• Explicit meanings of terms or concepts.

• Example: “Velocity is the rate of change of displacement.”

4. Theories:

• Systematic frameworks for understanding phenomena, supported by evidence.

• Example: “Theory of Relativity.”

5. Methods:

• Procedures or systematic approaches to achieving a goal or solving a problem.

• Example: “The scientific method.”

6. Symbols:

• Representations or signs that stand for something else.

• Example: “π (pi) represents the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter.”

7. Objective Facts:

• Verified information that is independent of personal beliefs or interpretations.

• Example: “Water boils at 100°C at sea level.”

8. Subjective Facts:

• Information based on personal perspectives, feelings, or opinions.

• Example: “The movie was exciting.”

Refined CEME Set for Velocity

You are absolutely correct that velocity could be classified both as a concept and a definition depending on the context. To resolve this and achieve true mutual exclusivity, we need to refine the set further by basing classifications on primary roles or contexts of use. Here’s a revised CEME set:

Refined CEME Set

1. Raw Data:
   • Measured or observed values with no interpretation.
   • Example: “50 m/s” (a velocity value without context).
2. Definitions:
   • Precise explanations of terms or concepts, usually formalized.
   • Example: “Velocity is the rate of change of displacement with respect to time.”
3. Concepts:
   • Abstract ideas that underpin definitions and theories.
   • Example: “The idea of velocity as a measure of motion.”
4. Theories:
   • Systematic, evidence-based frameworks that explain phenomena.
   • Example: “Newton’s laws of motion explain velocity changes due to forces.”
5. Methods:
   • Structured processes or techniques to gather, analyze, or apply information.
   • Example: “Measuring velocity using a speedometer.”
6. Symbols:
   • Representations of data, concepts, or theories in a condensed form.
   • Example: “v = velocity, t = time, s = displacement.”
7. Objective Facts:
   • Statements verified through observation or measurement.
   • Example: “The car’s velocity is 50 m/s.”
8. Subjective Interpretations:
   • Information influenced by personal judgment or perspective.
   • Example: “The velocity seemed too fast for safety.”

Key Distinction

• Primary Context Determines Classification:
• If “velocity” is being discussed as a measurable property, it fits under Raw Data or Objective Facts.
• If “velocity” is being formalized, it falls under Definitions.
• If “velocity” is being used abstractly, it belongs to Concepts.

By anchoring each element to a specific context of use, this CEME set achieves both mutual exclusivity and collective exhaustiveness.

For more information, see [The Research BookCourse] #ToDo Add link