The Relationship Between Information Technology and The Human Mind

Information is said to be the best defence against ignorance or stubbornness in a particular area. In fact, information is often used as a synonym for knowledge, as when we talk about knowing something or having learned something new. However, information is also used in the context of measuring knowledge, especially in the scientific community where it is used to assess the quality of data collected through experiments, measurements, analysis and research. There are many instances where quantitative measures can be derived from qualitative information and vice versa.

Information can be regarded as the resolution of doubt; it resolves the question of what an object or an entity actually is and so defines both its nature and its attributes. The word ‘information’ is usually associated with knowledge, whereas ‘knowledge’ is usually associated with measurement. However, the idea of information has very different meanings in various contexts. For instance, whereas knowledge is described by the ability to acquire knowledge and facts by observation, evaluation and experience, information can also be described by the ability to extract, manipulate, store, retrieve information or to communicate effectively with others.

The word ‘knowledge’ has another meaning as well; that of a set of things or facts that have been proven by scientific investigation and that can be proved true or false by reference to some standard. In this sense, knowledge is used to make claims, support claims and give assurance. It is used in the context of science and engineering as a test, demonstration, rule-of-thumb, guideline or method, etc., in comparison with experimental or deductive arguments. In the political arena, knowledge is defined as a set of beliefs based on factual evidence and general knowledge of how government works; whereas, knowledge is the only way of learning which is available to a limited group of people at specific points in time, not prior to that time.

Information is used extensively all over the world for a number of purposes; e.g., business, social service, education, entertainment, sports, medicine, etc. In fact, information is used more extensively than one can possibly list. What is clear is that information and knowledge are very different from one another. For example, knowledge is considered to be inherent, whereas information is learned or acquired through interaction and study. Given the difference in their definition, it is natural for people to use different words to describe the same concepts; as, for instance, understanding a complicated issue like global warming will be described using a scientific term, while the same issue will be described using a common everyday term such as Global Warming.

The process of acquiring and using information is called learning, which is a systematic process in which information is processed in a variety of ways so as to provide a desired result. Humans are good learners; however, their capacity to learn varies widely. The process of learning is further proceeded by storing the information, forward correction, modification, review, and testing. When information is used or applied, knowledge is derived from both sources, information and knowledge.

However, it is clear that information technology has changed the face of communication and commerce. Both users and producers benefit from the increased efficiency and reduced cost brought about by information technology. To address growing needs for information technology, it is important for a company to take information technology management seriously. Information technology management seeks to ensure the consistent and systematic process of information processes and the efficient and reliable handling of large quantities of data.