What primarily defines data in informatics?

Data in informatics is fundamentally characterized as raw facts and figures. This definition encapsulates the essence of data, which consists of unprocessed bits of information that can take various forms, such as numbers, text, images, or any other measurable entity. In this context, data represents the building blocks that can later be analyzed, interpreted, and converted into meaningful information.

The other options describe processes or states that data can undergo but do not represent the core definition of data itself. For example, sequential information linked together could refer to structured data or data organization methods, but it does not define what data is at its base level. Interpreted information implies that data has been analyzed or processed to derive meaning, which moves beyond raw data. Similarly, validated knowledge suggests that the information has been confirmed and accepted as true or accurate, yet this too extends beyond the initial definition of raw data. Thus, the accurate characterization of data in informatics as raw facts and figures is foundational to understanding how data can be utilized in various applications within the field.