What is the term for information collected and evaluated that is used to make conclusions?

The term for information that is collected and evaluated to aid in drawing conclusions is "data." In the context of analysis, data refers to any quantitative or qualitative values that can provide insights and support decision-making processes. This information can include numerical values, observations, or measurements that are systematically gathered to understand trends, test hypotheses, or inform strategies.

Data serves as the foundation for further analysis, allowing practitioners to assess relationships, identify patterns, and ultimately arrive at informed conclusions. In various fields, including statistics and research, the effectiveness of analyses hinges on the quality and relevance of the data collected. Therefore, understanding what constitutes data and how it can be applied is crucial for effective problem-solving and decision-making.

Sampling, while related to the collection of data, is specifically the process of selecting a subset of individuals or observations from a larger population for the purpose of making inferences about that population. Variables refer to characteristics or properties that can change or vary, and populations relate to the entire group that is being studied or analyzed. However, these terms do not encapsulate the broader concept of aggregated information intended to support conclusions, which is specifically denoted as data.