1. Data, Hard Facts and
Numbers:
The value of digits
By Abi Ogunmwonyi

2. Data
•
In 2010 Google CEO Eric Schmidt stated that the amount of data
collected since the dawn of humanity until 2003 was the equivalent
to the volume we now produce every two days (TechCrunch,
2010).
 This shows that data collection and data analysis is at the
forefront of a postmodern society. Data is used to analyse
everything from human interaction to technology, finance
and food.
•
Data is a key factor to consider when evaluating economies and
global, social and cultural inequalities.
• For example, calculating GDP growth is key when evaluating
a country’s standpoint in factors like health, and this requires a
hefty collection of data.
•
With the increase in social media sites and the daily growth of the
internet, data analysis central to decision making.
 For example, using social media and the internet to collect
data to analyse and measure populations can influence
political decisions on how to use energy in the most effective
way or lead to democratic decisions such as the chances of
being elected for a political party.
•
Research and market data provided by firms such as Bloomberg
and Dow Jones with key insight into sector performances and
through this data collection and analysis, comparisons can be
made. These comparisons can influence future decision making.
We are dealing with an enormous flow of data daily and data is
without a doubt influencing the world in real time as well as
predicting future events.
•

3. Hard Facts
•
Positivism: is a philosophy of science
based on the view that information
derived from logical and
mathematical treatments and
reports of sensory experience is the
exclusive source of all authoritative
knowledge, and that there is valid
knowledge (truth) only in scientific
knowledge (Macionis, 2012).
 The prospect of hard facts shaping
and influencing our world can be
seen all around us on a daily basis.
 Positivism is the most authentic
source of information and empirical
data has been proven to develop
hard facts and shape our social and
economic world.

4. Numbers
•
•
•
Numbers are incorporated in data collection
and are used to support hard facts.
Numbers influence the world because they
are the one constant factor globally.
While qualitative data and research may
vary depending on the economy or culture,
numbers and quantitative data are a
constant, universal apparatus.
 Languages can often create a barrier when
influencing the world, but as numbers are
universal, these barriers are removed.
•
•
Numbers provide us with empirical evidence
and allow us to reach a consensus based on
the analysis that has been carried out.
The collection of numerical data allows
investors, politicians and citizens alike to
have a reference towards the health of an
economy, market or the progress of an
election.

5. References
• Macionis, J. J. 2012. Sociology, seventh canadian edition with
mysoclab. [S.l.]: Pearson Canada.
• Siegler, M. 2010. Eric Schmidt: Every 2 Days We Create As Much
Information As We Did Up To 2003 | TechCrunch. [online] Available
at: http://techcrunch.com/2010/08/04/schmidt-data/ [Accessed: 5
Mar 2014].

6. References
• Macionis, J. J. 2012. Sociology, seventh canadian edition with
mysoclab. [S.l.]: Pearson Canada.
• Siegler, M. 2010. Eric Schmidt: Every 2 Days We Create As Much
Information As We Did Up To 2003 | TechCrunch. [online] Available
at: http://techcrunch.com/2010/08/04/schmidt-data/ [Accessed: 5
Mar 2014].