Information as a difference: toward a subjective theory of information. Issue 4 (4th July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McKinney, Earl H.; Yoos, Charles J.
• Is Part Of: European journal of information systems. Volume 28:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 355
• Page End: 369
• Publication Date: 2019-07-04
• Subjects: Prof. Frantz Rowe; Information -- information theory -- data -- subjectivism -- adaptation; Information technology -- Periodicals; Information technology -- Europe -- Periodicals; Management information systems -- Periodicals; Management information systems -- Europe -- Periodicals; 658.403805
• DOI: 10.1080/0960085X.2019.1581441
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-085X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: We propose a difference theory of information that extends Gregory Bateson's definition that information is any difference that makes a difference. Information arises from conception of difference, criteria, and meta criteria. Individuals perceive differences and conceive information from those differences. A first difference is a perceived difference that leads to a second difference – a changing mind. The difference theory provides a theoretical foundation for distinguishing the terms data and information. Additionally, it describes how individuals inform in uncertainty by applying and sometimes recursively applying criteria levels. We apply the difference theory to IS practice and research contexts.