Which of the following best describes the term 'data'?

The term 'data' refers to information that is collected for the purpose of analysis. This can encompass a variety of forms, including numbers, text, measurements, and observations that are gathered to provide insights and support conclusions in research, statistics, and various fields of study. This definition emphasizes the role of data as a foundational element necessary for investigation and interpretation, making it essential for drawing informed conclusions based on empirical evidence.

In contrast, graphics and charts, while useful for presenting data, do not themselves constitute data but rather a representation of it. Notes taken during a lecture are personal summaries and interpretations of spoken information, rather than raw data. Hypotheses, meanwhile, are proposed explanations or predictions that arise from analyzing data but are not classified as data themselves. Therefore, the most appropriate description of data is indeed the information collected for analysis.