DIKW Pyramid.

Data, information, knowledge, and wisdom (DIKW) are four elements laid out in a pyramid (starting with data on the bottom and working up to wisdom) that is known as the DIKW pyramid. The thinking behind the theory postulates that data in and of itself is useless. One needs context to understand how the data fit together. Once data is organized and put into context, it becomes useful information and can reveal something valuable. When the information is analyzed, knowledge is developed. With knowledge, one can learn and understand how to best use the information. When experience is added to knowledge, one gains wisdom. The DIKW pyramid can be applied to a number of fields but is most prominent in nursing, management, and information science.