Which of the following best defines data?

The definition of data as a collection of elements on a given subject highlights the fundamental nature of data itself. Data can be thought of as raw facts or statistics that have not yet been processed or organized into a meaningful form. This collection encompasses various bits of information—such as numbers, words, measurements, observations, or even just descriptors—related to a specific topic or area of interest.

For instance, if we consider a set of patient records, the individual pieces of information (like patient names, ages, medical histories) represent the elements that collectively make up the dataset. This underscores that data in its basic form is simply an assembly of these disparate elements that can later be analyzed, interpreted, or processed to derive insights.

Other options, while concerning data-related concepts, do not encapsulate the essence of what data is. Information obtained from patient surveys refers more to processed data that provides insights, whereas synthesized facts used for reporting imply that the data has already been interpreted and formatted into a report. Lastly, data curated for database storage suggests an emphasis on organization and management of data rather than defining what data is in its raw form. Therefore, the chosen definition captures the foundational elements that constitute data effectively.