Obtaining, providing

and disseminating
information
Topic 1: The Types of Information and Ways of Obtaining
Information
 TYPES OF INFORMATION
There are 
three types of information
 that we deal with every day.

They are:
•Context – Big Picture
•Content – Details
•Meaning – The Impact
 CONTEXT
• Context is the circumstances that form the setting for an event,
statement or idea. It is a part of a written or spoken statement that
precedes or follows a specific word or passage, usually influencing
its meaning or effect. It is the set of circumstances or facts that surround
a particular event or situation. You cannot understand what happens
without looking at the context. Without context, misinterpretation is
likely (i.e., You have misinterpreted my remark because you took it out
of context.)
 CONTENT

• Content is the information and experiences that are

directed towards an end-user or audience. Content is
something that is to be expressed through speech,
writing or any of the various arts or media. It is the body
of information conveyed a particular context.
 MEANING

• Meaning is the message conveyed by words, sentences,

and symbols in a context. It is only
through meanings that we make sense of the
information we are presented with. WE take the context
and the content and we bring meaning to it. Context +
Content = Meaning.
 CHARACTERISTICS OF
INFORMATION
• Relevant information is information that we can use and recognize as applicable to the
decisions we make and the work we do. You can apply relevant information.
• Valid information is information that is accurate, credible and well-founded. You know that
valid information has been researched and tested.
• Reliable information is information that can be relied on or trusted. You can believe in
reliable information.
• Factual information is something documented, established, and confirmable.
• Aside from these, the five characteristics of high-quality information are accuracy,
completeness, consistency, uniqueness, and timeliness. Information needs to be of high
quality to be useful and accurate as well.
What kind of information do you usually receive
each day? How do you receive and obtain
information?