What is Data?

by

Adam J. McKee

January, 2004

                Data are numeric values that provide information about variables.  Note that data is plural.  The word comes form the Latin "datum" which is the singular form of the word, meaning "something given."  In common usage, it has become acceptable to use it as a singular term.  Researchers are fussy about this, and the plural use of the term is highly recommended in technical writing, especially dissertations.  The term is often taken as singular because we often think of a data matrix when using the term.  A matrix is a rectangular table of numbers, which is composed of columns (running vertically across the page or screen) and rows (running horizontally across the page or screen).  The specific point along a specific row and column where a number resides is called a cell.   

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