Internet of Things (IoT) Practice Exam

Which term refers to data that does not have a predefined data model?

1. Structured Data

2. Semi-structured Data

3. Unstructured Data

4. Coded Data

The correct answer is: Unstructured Data

Unstructured data refers to information that does not have a predefined or consistent data model, making it challenging to categorize or analyze using traditional data processing methods. This type of data can include formats like text documents, images, videos, social media posts, and emails, which do not fit neatly into tables or databases. The nature of unstructured data is characterized by a lack of identifiable patterns or structures, meaning it doesn't conform to a specific organization or format. This makes it distinct from structured data, which is organized in a defined manner (like rows and columns in a database), and semi-structured data, which has some organizational elements but still contains irregularities (like JSON or XML files). Coded data typically refers to information that has been transformed into a specific code or format, which does not apply to the concept of structure in this context.